A whimsical world that transcends all forms
Taiwanese illustrator and leukemia survivor Jimmy Liao (幾米) may have started off his career by drawing for children, but the universality of his simple messages has captured the imagination of adult readers around the world.
From animations and musicals to public installations, his illustrations have lend themselves to all sorts of popular adaptations. His art is prominently displayed on the walls of the Nangang Station of Taipei Metro, and there's a public park in Yilan filled with life-sized characters and props that serve as the perfect accessories for Instagram selfies.
These days people can fly on a specially commissioned aircraft featuring endangered animals illustrated by Liao, stay at a hotel filled with themed rooms, or interact with his beloved characters by wearing a VR headset. Liao has also devoted considerable effort in revitalizing remote villages across Taiwan, creating wall art and driftwood sculptures to boost tourism.
Of the four silver screen adaptions of Liao's books, "Starry Starry Night (星空)” has received considerable acclaim commending its visual presentation and employment of original illustrations. Named after the famous Van Gogh painting, the film reportedly wooed Liao to tears.
'Starry Starry Night'
- "‘Starry Starry Night' is a visually transcendent fairy tale that wordlessly evokes complex childhood emotions.” - The New York Times
- "Creative flourishes marked by whiplash editing and a jigsaw-puzzle motif speak earnestly to the alternating senses of order and chaos that can be so fruitful and destructive to fresh hearts and minds.” - Slant
- "A beautiful and charming piece of childhood escapism.” - Movie Buzzers
- "Tom Lin paints one of the dearest, warmest and most charming films of the year.” - Screen Anarchy
- "A solid blend of technical achievement and kindhearted portraiture.” - Screen Day
Jimmy Liao
Jimmy Liao is a prolific illustrator and author whose works are celebrated for their expressive and heart-warming imagery. Within two decades, he has published more than 40 books, of which over 10 foreign language editions are now available ... (read more)
"All of My World Is You” (VR)