Written by: Mariam Saeed Khan
Posted on: October 11, 2023 | 
| 中文
Book cover and the author Neil Gaiman in 2022 (Picture credits to MasterClass)
"In 'Art Matters,' celebrated author Neil Gaiman teams up with renowned illustrator Chris Riddell to deliver a powerful manifesto on the vital importance of creativity in our lives. Through a series of inspiring essays and illustrations, Gaiman explores how art and imagination can shape our world, spark change and fuel our dreams. This beautifully crafted book is a testament to the enduring magic of storytelling and the profound impact of art, reminding us all that our creative endeavors have the power to change the world."
I discovered it at the British Council Library when I was browsing through books. Suddenly, I stumbled upon a comforting book that took me half an hour to read slowly. Introducing the reader to ambitious writers, readers, artists, creatives and builders of empathy. Here is that manifesto book, "Art Matters" by Neil Gaiman, and Illustrated by Chris Riddell. This collaboration between these two renowned and talented powerhouses has the inspirational exploration of the power of art in our lives. This book is for all age groups and during the winter, this is your hopeful song to embrace the artist within, no matter what adversity you are going through.
Chris Riddell, the Illustrator (Credits to Pan Macmillan)
According to Gaiman's official website, "Neil Gaiman is credited with being one of the creators of modern comics, as well as an author whose work crosses genres and reaches audiences of all ages. He is listed in the Dictionary of Literary Biography as one of the top ten living post-modern writers, and is a prolific creator of works of prose, poetry, film, journalism, comics, song lyrics and drama."
This wasn't possible without his love for books and libraries. Neil Gaiman declares, "I wouldn't be who I am without libraries. I was the sort of kid who devoured books, and my happiest times as a boy were when I persuaded my parents to drop me off at the local library on their way to work, and I spent the day there. I discovered that librarians want to help you: they taught me about interlibrary loans."
"Art Matters" comprises of four sections that present a well-crafted essay with one theme: creativity and humanity. Each section is accompanied by Chris Riddell's enchanting and magical illustrations. Chris Riddell, the 2015-2017 UK Children's Laureate, is an accomplished artist and a political cartoonist for the Observer, and has enjoyed great acclaim for his books for children.
The illustrations in the book
When you begin reading this book, you are impacted by a source of positivity and inspiration, and Neil Gaiman is an inspiring source in my journey with his books and words. I started showing up more consistently to write and make work that matters more.
The first section essay is called, "CREDO", which is a powerful testament to the importance of art in challenging times. In this essay, Gaiman persuasively argues that art should be given freedom of expression, which was delivered in the wake of the Charlie Hebdo Shootings, as it can ignite change, inspire empathy and provide solace in the darkest of times.
Gaiman concludes, "I believe that in the battle between guns and ideas, ideas will, eventually, win. Because ideas are invisible, they linger and sometimes they can even be true.”
The second essay is one of the hard-hitting essays, a source of hope and faith in libraries, public spaces and artists. "WHY OUR FUTURE DEPENDS ON LIBRARIES, READING AND DAYDREAMING", reaffirms that libraries matter and that imagining a better reader and future for kids and adults is possible. Public spaces like libraries bring librarians and help build a generation of empathic readers. Reading fiction makes us better communicators. These are not new ideas, but they are persuasively presented.
A page from the book
As I was reading through it, I was reminded of the investigative research work that I did on raising awareness on restoring Lahore's public libraries, and why it is important for the intellect to grow, to fight the battle of misinformation, and to create a tolerant society.
Our future, indeed, depends on libraries. The need for tolerance in public spaces, conversations and talking to strangers leads us towards inclusiveness. It is important to create thinkers who question, and artists who see and think out of the box, to daydream and to keep the childlike wonder alive.
Readers create empathic listeners and human beings that Gaiman and Riddells' illustrations show us. He uses the example of Einstein to fight for the cause of imagination.
The third section is about, "MAKING A CHAIR", which uses an example of a chair to explain the process of creating something, even if it is not perfect. The joys that are brought with it are immense. It uses the analogy of a building, while teaching us that the way a chair is made, for it is the way book writing takes place. If you do not know the rules, break the rules and make the rules, as they keep changing.
An illustration by Chris Riddell in the book
The final section is called, "MAKE GOOD ART", Gaiman's famous 2012 commencement address delivered at the Philadelphia University of the Arts for the graduating class. This seems like a TED talk, but it is not, and it is my favorite longest essay from the book.
Gaiman talked about aspiring writers and struggling artists looking for inspiration, and while doing so, he showed courage about his career that had its low and high points. What to do and what not to do. He specially made a point of being bold and rebellious, if something negative happened. If you are failing, make something, and if someone broke your heart, good! Use that fury to make art. But while doing so, do not stop creating. Do not jump to the next project and idea. As Gaiman has emphasized, he regretted not enjoying the journey.
Back cover of the book
He makes a good case study of words that freelancers, creatives, performers and all who follow a path that is not defined, should and would find relentless optimism for their career growth.
Riddell's illustrations keep pace with Gaiman's ideas. He targets the inner child of the adults, kids and teenagers in this section. He urges us to break free from the constraints of societal expectations, and express ourselves through making art. The art of storytelling never died since the Stone Age. Why would it cease now? It was during COVID-19 that we all relied on creatives, artists and makers.
Despite being 114 pages long, time stood still while I read, a source of solace in our times.
"Art Matters" makes for a perfect present to give, as it celebrates the enduring power of art and creativity. It is visually and intellectually stimulating, and a must-read for artists and art enthusiasts, readers and writers alike.
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