Home / Events / Leo Lionni and his Circle of Friends

Leo Lionni and his Circle of Friends

Until Dec 25

Artists

Leo Lionni

The story of a little fish, “Swimmy”, and the tale woven from abstract shapes of blue and yellow, “Little Blue and Little Yellow”—these are picture books by Leo Lionni (1910–1999) that continue to be beloved more than 60 years after their publication. Lionni worked across diverse fields including painting, design, and picture books in Italy and the United States during the 20th century. This exhibition traces Lionni’s lifelong creative work while also introducing the artists with whom he had influential relationships.

Born in the Netherlands in 1910 and raised immersed in rich European culture from childhood, Lionni in his youth exchanged ideas and influences with many artists including Bruno Munari (1907–1998) and other cultural figures in Italy. When discriminatory racial laws were enacted in Italy, Lionni, who was Jewish, emigrated to the United States in 1939. While working as an art director, he also devoted himself to painting. In the latter half of his life, he traveled between Italy and the United States producing numerous works as a painter, sculptor, and picture book author. This exhibition unpacks the full scope of Lionni’s work—which crossed boundaries between Europe and the United States, commercial art and fine art, and various other realms—placing it within the broader currents of 20th-century cultural history. The final chapter of this exhibition looks back on Lionni’s more than 30 years of picture book making. The protagonists of these books, embodying themes Lionni explored throughout his life such as personal identity, aspirations for a peaceful society, and pride as an artist, almost seem like extensions of Lionni himself. We hope you will enjoy the various techniques and artistic styles found in each picture book.

Schedule

Now in session

Nov 22 (Sat) 2025-Dec 25 (Thu) 2025 21 days left