Jozef Wilkon

Mr. Wilkon was born in Bydgoszcz (?), Poland, in 1930, and studied painting at the Academy of Art in Krakow, and the history of art at Jagiellonian University. In his student days he was inspired by miniatures from the Islamic culture and selected illustration for children's books as his means of self-expression. He launched his official career as an illustrator and graphic designer in 1957. After winning the 1st Prize for Book Illustration at the Leipzig International Book Fair, Mr. Wilkon went on to win several other international awards, including the 1st Prize for Graphics at the Bologna International Book Fair, and the Leipzig Honorary Award. He was conferred the Order of Culture by the Polish Government in June 2005 for his significant achievements. He has held numerous exhibitions and workshops for children in Germany, Italy, and the rest of Europe and is undoubtedly one of Europe's leading illustrators. (August 22, 2005 Cosmo Oil Co., Ltd [Head Office: Tokyo]. Public Relations Office)

Josef Wilkon (painter, graphic artist and illustrator) was born in 1930 close to Cracow, where he was later studying painting at Academy of Art, and history of art at Jagiellonian University (1955). At the end of his studies he spent a year in Paris. He established himself very quickly in French and German art world.

Asked about his illustrations, he answers: "First you have to know what you are going to paint: a man or a fish or a bird or a leaf or an animal, and what it looks like. Then you must know how it moves, runs, creeps, swims or flies. For many that would be the end of their art effort, but some go ahead and paint sadness and happiness, fear and courage. Only a few reach the point at which they can paint a smell and a taste of fruits or even, silence in the dream.

If you can do all these things then you must know the way to bring a story and a picture together. Everything must be done at the right place and on the right time, so the tensions in the book rises as in the theatre."

Josef Wilkon cooperates with number of publishers in Poland and abroad. He illustrated over 100 books for children and for adults in Poland. 55 books were published in foreign countries, 7 of which in German by Bohem Press in Zurich. His paintings and graphics fascinate so much that a permanent exhibition of his Fairland and charming works is to be opened in Japan.