The paper explores the possibilities of adapting the motifs from the Pirot kilim in the design of the first picture books intended for babies. The Pirot kilim is one of the most representative symbol of Serbian tradition and art; its ornamentation has often been used and reinterpreted in various forms of visual art and design. As a system of simple, often repetitive visual codes, the Pirot kilim with its clear structured geometric ornamentation, carries a strong message, but also enables the further development of new visual motifs. As early childhood visual development is focused on repetitive forms, shapes and high-contrast images, the paper proposes an approach grounded in cultural visual heritage in early childhood illustration. The research was conducted through design-based practice. First, the motifs from the Pirot kilim were analyzed, classified according to complexity in shapes, colors, and cultural recognition, and then recreated to meet the visual needs of the youngest, creating the first picture books of this type. The work aims to point out that tradition can be one of the first factors in the visual development of a child, i.e. in the creation of his visual literacy, and to enable the child to have his first experiences in understanding the relationship of sizes, colors, contrasts, compositions, etc. be in accordance with his cultural identity.

Authors:
Jefimija Stoicic, University of Nis, Serbia
Anastasija Kocic, University of Belgrade, Serbia

About the Presenter(s)
Dr Jefimija Stoicic is currently an Assistant Professor at the Faculty of Arts in Nis, University of Nis, Republic of Serbia.

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