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IN MEMORY OF THE FUTURE Tom Ungerer was an acclai
med author and illustrator of children’s books. His life and artistic career defy easy categorization encompassing illustration, advertising, writing, collage, sculpture and architectural design. Ungerer was always a political artist. From the beginning of his career in the 1950s, his work challenged social norms and conventions with breath-taking originality frequently inviting the viewer or reader, whether adult or child, to question the status quo of the world around them. He moved to West Cork in the early seventies and lived a private life there until his death in 2019. Illustrators Ireland approached their members to celebrate the work and spirit of Ungerer. Over 50 artists have participated by sharing their interpretations of Ungerer’s work and responses to his influence. We have selected a few from the exhibition which runs in the dlr Lexicon in Dun Laoghaire until September 30. Brian Fitzgerald Badoglio & the flowerpot “Each time I try to draw an alternative character to Tomi’s hero, Benito Badoglio, a penniless veteran, I keep drawing a big nose and bushy beard. It seems like there’s no other way to represent this humble character. So the only way I can move on is to use anthropomorphism and with that I am set free to have fun with this wonderful story. You’ll notice the plant is in mid-air and it’s also smashed on the bottom right side of the page. Now I’m wondering should I do that too?” brianfitzer.com @brianfitzerillustrator 24