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ATSUSHI TOYAMA “BIRDBOOK”

THINGSText: Eric Choo

Atsushi Toyama’s book, “BirdBook”, there are several pictures depicting many types of birds in a unique artistic style. While that style might seem a bit childish, in fact to this writer as well as the many that might not be so artistically inclined, it offers a sort of comfort and cuteness that lends itself to simplicity.

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Rather simple in its design and easy to understand, it’s basically a book with pictures of birds drawn by Atsushi Toyama. The material itself feels like paper given to a child to draw with, and the medium used seems to be crayon.

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Indeed even the paper is thin to the touch and loosely stapled, probably intentional, it gives the book a sense of character and cuteness about it. The drawings are simple and often very rough which seems to lend to the idea that this was meant to be a simple collection of sketches loosely put together at the last minute.

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The birds seem to have a wide variety and range from owls to pigeons, ducks to eagles and other unidentified birds I have yet to figure out. “Beauty in simplicity” I suppose one would say about this book.

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Simple concept, execution and appreciation were the aim and perhaps it works out for the better. Perhaps those more artistically inclined would enjoy it better than me; I still appreciate it for what I think it is, cute drawings of different birds. Simplicity is best, in the view of this writer.

Atsushi Toyama “BirdBook”
Publisher: UTRECHT
Price: 1,260 yen
Release Date: June, 2007
https://www.utrecht.jp

Text: Eric Choo

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