Guy Lochhead, 30/08/10
Australian illustrator and writer. Tan’s picture books are characterised by a surrealist, extraordinarily detailed style influenced by his father’s work as an architect. Although Tan’s work is not ‘for children’ (he actually explains on his website that he thinks they’re unsuitable because of their themes of immigration, colonisation etc.) their detail and size make them perfect for young readers. I find his written books a bit annoying, but the wordless ‘The Arrival’ isn’t so didactic, and the reader’s mind is allowed to develop the story however they want. I will include this
separately.