The exhibition “L is for Look,” currently on view at Lausanne’s Photo Elysée, explores the rich history of children’s photobooks and their role in education, storytelling, and visual literacy.

Beginning with early examples from the 1930s, such as Mary Steichen Martin’s collaborations with her father Edward Steichen, the exhibition highlights how photography has been used as a tool for cognitive development and learning.

The show also features Tana Hoban’s influential works, combining photography, illustration, and graphic design to teach children observation and engagement with their surroundings.

Other notable contributors include Adam Broomberg & Oliver Chanarin, Annette Messager, Shigeichi Nagano, Tomi Ungerer, and Camilla ‘Ylla’ Koffler, showcasing themes ranging from animals and nature to social awareness and empathy.Interactive elements allow visitors to handle books and prints, emphasizing the tactile and immersive qualities of children’s photobooks.

The exhibition also highlights the enduring relevance of photobooks in addressing social and environmental issues, as seen in works like Ann McGovern’s Black is Beautiful and Donald Crews’ ABC of Ecology.

Overall, “L is for Look” celebrates creativity, visual storytelling, and the joy of reading, offering both children and adults an engaging journey into the world of photography in literature.The exhibition will travel to several European cities through 2028.