Imagine

Messenger is one of our finest book artists. His rather meagre output to date is perhaps explained by the astonishing density of his technique which suggests a year or two spent on each illustration. Imagine is an exquisite production. The artist has created a series of visual conundrums and puzzles to amuse, intrigue and entertain. We find subtle references to various mischief-making artists and movements of the past such as Escher, fruit and veg man Archimboldo and the surrealists, Magritte and Dali. There is much to occupy and activate the imagination including hidden figures in vast landscapes, folding pages that create multiple permutations of fabulous beasts and impossible geometrical eye-twisters. The book manages to combine a sumptuous attention to aesthetics with a flow of engaging interactive ideas. A production such as this is a credit to all involved and a joy to hold in the hand.