L IS FOR LOOK. Fotobücher für Kinder und Jugendliche

With the emergence of new image-based teaching methods in the early 20th century, photographs found their way into various forms of children's literature - from picture books to fiction. The photobook proved to be a particularly collaborative medium. While photography has helped to revitalize the genre, the collaboration between graphic designers, artists, illustrators and authors has also created new and very specific uses for the photographic form.

Female photographers play a key role in this publishing genre. The children's photo book unites two areas that have historically often been considered to have female connotations: Child rearing and the photographic portrait of children. In the 1970s, this culminated in the emergence of a specific genre that contributed to the development of young readers' view of the world around them.

In addition to historical and contemporary book positions, L is for Look attaches great importance to mediation. Original designs, teaching models and working materials provide insights into the process of creating photographic books in six chapters(Pedagogy, Education, Fiction, Animals, Photography and Inspire Creativity). Interactive stations such as a mobile photo studio and the workshop room for children called "M for Join in" allow visitors to experience photographic practice and image production up close. The Museum Folkwang is setting up an additional reading room with current and historical children's photo books (selection Kids Love Photography, Berlin).

An international co-production initiated by the Institut pour la photographie des Hauts-de-France, Lille, and Photo Élysée, Lausanne. Further cooperation partners are the Rencontres d'Arles photo festival, the Photographers' Gallery, London, the Centre national de l'audiovisuel, Dudelange/Luxembourg, and the Foto Arsenal Vienna.