Étienne Delessert (illustrator)
Swiss illustrator (1941–2024)
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Étienne Delessert (4 January 1941 in Lausanne – 21 April 2024 in Lakeville) was a Swiss self-taught graphic artist and illustrator.[1] He is largely known for his animated series Yok-Yok and his collaboration with Eugène Ionesco, on Stories "1" and "2",[2] as well as his work with child psychologist Jean Piaget.[3]
Stories 1,2,3,4
Étienne Delessert | |
|---|---|
 Delessert in 2011 | |
| Born | 4 January 1941 Lausanne, Switzerland |
| Died | 21 April 2024 (aged 83) |
| Notable work | Yok-Yok Stories 1,2,3,4 |
| Awards | Society of Illustrators |
His work focused on expanding the child's mind through the use of strange stories often designed to make children ask questions. He considered himself first and foremost a story teller. His creative process involved mostly digital media in combination with hand sketching.
For his lasting contribution as a children's illustrator, Delessert was a finalist for the biennial, international Hans Christian Andersen Award in both 2006 and 2010.[4][5]
Delessert died from cancer on 21 April 2024, at the age of 83.[6][7]
Career
Delessert had children's book published and translated in over 14 different languages. He also had illustrations published in TIME magazine. Delessert animated segments for Sesame Street, like one about a woman's face morphing. Additionally, in 1973 Delessert illustrated a children's book based on the lyrics to "Being Green", a popular song written by Joe Raposo, originally performed by Jim Henson as Kermit the Frog on both Sesame Street and The Muppet Show. Although released as a Sesame Street book, the large hardcover book does not feature Kermit the Frog or other characters from the series. Rather, the song's lyrics are enacted by an undefined, dinosaur-like being. The illustrations also do not feature any other traditional Sesame Street characters and are of a psychedelic nature. The book has been out of print since 1973. He also created the animated series Yok Yok for Swiss television.[3]
Published Works
- How the Mouse Was Hit on the Head by a Stone and So Discovered the World, 1971 with Jean Piaget[8]
- Ogden Nash's Zoo, 1987 with Ogden Nash
- Food, 1989 with Ogden Nash
- Silly Stories 1, 2, 3, 4 with Eugene Ionesco
- and Jean Piaget (How The Mouse...), to his more recent award-winning A Long Long Song; Ashes, Ashes; Dance!; The Seven Dwarfs; Who Killed Cock Robin?; Humpty Dumpty; Big and Bad
- The Seven Dwarfs, 2002
- Moon Theater, 2009
- Night Circus, 2015
