Opposites Abstract by Mo Willems
“The artist may get to create the work—but the audience gets to create the meaning.” Mo Willems
| I respectfully disagree with Amazon Books. The website entry for Opposites Abstract suggests that it is approprate for audiences ages birth - 2 years. An examination of this picture book suggests that it will appeal to a signicantly wider audience. Willems has created a stunning masterpiece that is a treat for eyes and inquiring minds. A single concept is introduced with a question on the left side of the spread and a corresponding abstract illustration is placed on the right. At the book's midpoint, the page design is reversed with images on the left and questions on the right. Framing each illustration as a question invites readers to move beyond the basic concept of opposites and explore new ways to express ideas. |  |
 IS THIS CALM ? |  IS THIS EXCITED ? | Each page turn, with two exceptions, pairs art representing contrasting descriptive terms: dark and light, soft and hard, mechanical and organic, intentional and accidental, etc. The initial entry "starting" faces the title page and is expressed in the present tense. The concluding "finished" image appears on the final page and is written in past tense. |
Willems has embedded the book with multple details awaiting discovery. This an excellent resource for introducing opposites, Beethoven, music appreciation, and elements of abstract art including color, texture, line, and form. This book will find its way into classrooms, studios, lecture halls, and schools for the fine arts. It's a book for creators and inquisitive minds of any age.
| Mo is the inaugural Education Artist-in-Residence at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and a section of the Center's website is devoted to Willems and his work. An exhibit of the artist's large scale abstractions will run from January 8 to March 20, 2022. It is free and open to the public. Beethoven’s nine symphonies were the inspiration for the series of Willems' large abstract paintings. This year-long project became the genesis for Opposites Abstract. | |
| Watch as Yo-Yo Ma performs "Songs of Comfort" and Mo Willems responds to the music, creating an abtract work of art. Observe that the color choice, specific tool, and method of application change as the music progresses. Melody and tempo influence the images he creates. Masking the work space means he doesn't have to worry about "staying in the lines." The final touch is when he signs his art and dedicates it to the performer. | |
Try This
Try Willems' technique of fusing music and art to create a masterpiece. Listen to some music. Have a large piece of paper and crayons, markers, or colored pencils handy to create as you listen. You can also try painting or experimenting with other art forms as you listen.
| View a flashmob performance of "Ode to Joy" from Beethoven's Ninth Symphony. |  Listen to a symphony composed by Beethoven and create your own artistic response to this glorious music. You can learn a bit about all nine symphonies here. |
Uncorrected copy provided by publisher.
Pub date: October 19, 2021 Publisher: Hyperion Books for Children ISBN: 978-1368070973
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