This summer, young readers can see some of their favourite characters in a whole new setting. Alighting from the pages of books, illustrations by artist Priya Kuriyan now adorn the walls of Lightroom, a bookshop in Bengaluru’s Cooke Town.

Perhaps one of the few book stores to cater exclusively to children, the founders of Lightroom — Aashti Mudnani and Aneesha Bangera — reached out to Priya following the inauguration of their upper level and a showcase by Tara Books.

“They wanted their second show to centre around children’s books too, “ says Priya, adding, “While it is common to see art based on different genres of literature displayed at art galleries, cafes or other public spaces, it is quite unusual to see art work from children’s books exhibited.”

“Though it was their idea to put up original art, both Aneesha and Aashti left it to me to decide what I would like to showcase.” With over 20 years in this whimsical line of work, it was no mean feat. The artist says she narrowed her choices down to hand painted, analog work specifically created for certain books or chapters and both the founders being familiar with her work, helped Priya pick from the selected images.

Today, as many as 24works of art are on display at Lightroom; this is the first time Priya’s works are being exhibited.

Lucky start

Priya who had studied at the National Institute of Design, approached a Chennai-based publishing house asking if she could illustrate for them. They agreed, and her work first appeared in I am So Sleepy, the story of a baby elephant who forgets how to fall asleep. The title was published in 2004 and has since grown into a series with a whole cast of characters who went on to become protagonists in ensuing titles.

That impetus was all she needed and Priya says the journey to becoming an illustrator was “organic” with more work coming her way post that. According to Aneesha, children who visit the store point to their favourite characters in glee — proof that Priya’s unmistakable style has already left an indelible mark on young readers.

The artist says she uses multiple media and has created illustrations using gouache, collage, paper cutouts, graphite drawings and acrylics over the years. “I generally choose a medium depending on what the story demands and what kind of an effect it will have on the narration. The genre also helps me make a decision as to what medium I should choose.”

Popular illustrations by Priya Kuriyan from children’s books will be on display at Lightroom, Cooke Town till May 15. A limited edition of a few prints are on sale. Entry free, Mondays closed.