Else, an Italian artisan screen printing laboratory, released a new book in December 2012 entitled, Animali. It features 40 pages of gorgeously printed animals by Slim Fejjari and texts by 17 artists from Asinitas Italian School.
A book in which the images of animals
become the starting point of a daydream:
a point from which those who dream
dream away to undertake a journey towards childhood.
A journey towards innocence and beauty of those
who don’t know they are beautiful.
Like children, like animals.
-Animali, Else
The book pairs beautiful screen prints of animals with metaphors and sayings from all over the world. The images are bold and striking. The use of colors are unconventional and the animals seem like they are about to pop out of the page. It elicits a dreamlike, nostalgic feeling that reminds one of childhood picture books. One should not be tricked by the simplicity of the book as the content is not infantile but a beautiful work of art.
The artist behind the prints is just as interesting as his artwork. Originally from Tunis, Slim Fejjari arrived in Italy in 2010 to study. He learned Italian from the Asinitas Italian School and from then on, his spark for screen printing began. He studied illustration at the Academy of Fine Arts, under the tutelage of Maurizio Quarello. He has been collaborating with Else since summer of 2011.
For those who are interested in getting a copy of the book, it’s sold online for 30 euros. Don’t miss this chance to get your hands on this delightful work of art.