CAG.1432 Tomi Ungerer, Creature, mixed media, 63 x 93 cm. © the artist’s estate.

In tribute to his remarkable creativity, we dedicate this WORK OF THE WEEK to the late Tomi Ungerer (1931-2019).

Tomi Ungerer, who passed away this weekend in Cork, is a much-loved French satirist and storyteller. His broad career encompassed children’s books, autobiography, erotic works, and even the poster for Stanley Kubrick’s Dr Strangelove (1964). Stating that ‘far out is never far enough,’ Ungerer believed that a worthy challenge ‘has to be followed by a greater challenge.’

Creature, which features in HEROES & VILLAINS in our Long Room (Floor 1), is a typically witty work. Assembled from folded and crumpled paper, this non-threatening reptilian figure is dressed in a black jacket – not unlike something the artist might have worn himself. It’s no surprise that it continues to be a hit with some of our younger visitors too!

Thank you, Tomi for your sharp wit and delightful imagination.