This is M.Sasek

A Window to the Pre-Digital World: Exploring the Timeless Classics of the "This is" Series
 

In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape where the entire world is within arm's reach, it is hard to imagine that just a few decades ago, books were the sole window to foreign cultures. As Šašek once noted, “Children today already know everything; the world is getting smaller and smaller.” In 1959, struck by a sudden wave of inspiration during a trip, Šašek created the series’ debut masterpiece, This is Paris. Over the next twenty years, this grew into a monumental 18-volume collection that has stood the test of time.

With his captivating wit, rich cultural and geographical insights, and subtly humorous prose, Šašek breathed new life and brilliance into iconic landmarks. His bold, fashionable, and highly creative multi-disciplinary approach captured the hearts of readers worldwide. Notably, This is London and This is New York consecutively topped the New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Books of the Year list. Regarded as the pioneering blueprint for world travel picture books, Šašek’s classic background designs and aesthetic styles continue to be referenced by contemporary Hollywood animation hits such as Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs.

Goethe-Institut Hongkong partners with the Consulate General of the Czech Republic in Hong Kong, Alliance Française de Hong Kong, Italian Cultural Institute Hong Kong, the Consulate General of Ireland in Hong Kong and the Wyndham Social to present "𝑻𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒔 𝑴. 𝑺̌𝒂𝒔̌𝒆𝒌", a homage to the pioneer of world travel picture books! Supported by the Miroslav Šašek Foundation, this exhibition showcases rare manuscript reproductions, tracing the iconic This is... series and Šašek's extraordinary life journey.