Anyone who has ever moved will appreciate it: the spontaneously created, somewhat cozy retreat in the middle of the chaos. However, for those who have even lost the chaos, every little corner, no matter how barren, can be a saving place of refuge and hope. The crow stands upright and thoughtful and looks – into the angled part of a completely empty room. What will she expect in this place? What can she hope for from this place? But empty rooms and white walls give no answers. Or is it? The wise bird becomes active. Sitting, standing and lying, he measures the little bit of the world he has just found with his beak length and wingspan. A comfortable bed is needed! With powerful physical effort, the crow places a comfortable bed right in the corner. A shelf for books, a small lamp for a warming light, a fluffy rug for reflection on your stomach. Something is still missing … The crow carefully carries a small potted plant into the corner next to the bed. She reads and speaks to the green roommate, gives him water and falls asleep next to him in the evening. The first step towards security has been taken.
The crow gets creative. With a pen and self-confidence, she begins to paint the walls
An impressive portrait format allows the viewer to look diagonally from above into “The Corner”, according to the title of the picture book by the Korean illustrator ZO-O. The barren walls and the cold floor get more life from side to side. “What else do I need?” Muses the bird in view of the first visible comfort. After the material possessions, the spiritual possessions now have a special significance. The crow gets creative. With a pen and self-confidence, she begins to paint the walls. More and more equipment is needed to shape corners in all directions. The dwelling is gradually becoming a home.
What do we need? What gives us strength? What is it that fills us? The heavily used “place to be” basically gives the simple answer. We need a place where we can be, where we can be “we”. A space that offers protection and an opportunity for development. Joy grows out of it. The crow celebrates its sumptuously designed home with music, dance and the plant lover. This joy penetrates walls too; and walls can be opened to the outside for something new. The artist ZO-O presents a very impressive picture book debut, which tells small and large readers of freedom and security in just a few words without moralizing. (from 3 years)
ZO-O: The corner. Urachhaus publishing house 2021. 64 pages, 16 euros.