For Immediate Release: November 28, 2006
Contact: Sherri Eng (415) 557-4282
seng@sfpl.org
New Exhibition Shows Off the Many Faces of David Diaz
California-based, award-winning artist’s verve for tackling social issues is as bold as his artwork
Caldecott Medal winner David Diaz’s bold, vibrant artwork will be on display Jan. 20 – April 1 in the Jewett Gallery at the Main Library. The Many Faces of David Diaz exhibition showcases 54 of Diaz’s original works of art which
appeared in 15 children’s books, including his two newest books, Counting Ovejas and Cesar: Si, Se Puede!/ Yes, We Can! Diaz is known for his use of bold, layered images in contrasting styles, as well as his commitment to social
justice and a willingness to tackle challenging topics. Even though some of his books deal with social issues fraught with controversy, Diaz always seeks to illustrate books that offer hope.
The exhibition text will be presented in both English and Spanish. All of Diaz’s books will be on display, including the five that have been translated into Spanish— Smoky Night, Wilma Unlimited, The Pot That Juan Built and Counting Ovejas and Cesar: Si, Se Puede!/ Yes, We Can!
In addition to Diaz’s artwork and books, the exhibition will include two pieces of pottery, one created by Diaz and the other by Juan Quezada, a famous potter from Mata Ortiz, Mexico who is featured in The Pot That Juan Built. The exhibition was organized by the National Center for Children’s Illustrated Literature in Abilene, Texas.
Diaz earned high acclaim for his colorful gouache paintings framed by heavy borders and laid on top of a photographic collage background in Eve Bunting’s Smoky Night. Inspired by the Los Angeles riots, the book earned Diaz a 1995 Caldecott Medal,
America’s most prestigious prize for children’s picture book illustration. Diaz continued this style in Wilma Unlimited and Going Home. In Margaret Wise Brown’s The Little Scarecrow, Diaz employed a lighter, less complicated style to reflect the gentle story.
Silhouette forms dominated Be Not Far From Me and The Disappearing Alphabet, giving a new look to Diaz’s book illustration. The Pot That Juan Built incorporated vibrant computer art, and soft pastels dominated Angel Face.
On Jan. 28, Diaz will officially open the exhibition and talk about his work and life as an illustrator during a presentation for children and families at 2 p.m. in the Koret Auditorium at the Main Library. A book sale and signing will follow.
On Jan. 29, he will hold an interactive art workshop for students. Teachers interested in having their classes participate should call the Main Library’s Children’s Center at (415) 557-4554 for more information. Group tours of the exhibition are available by appointment.
The programs and exhibition are free and open to the public. Call (415) 557-4277 for more information.
Note: Images are available.
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