Phaidon Editors Up, Down & Other Opposites (2025)

Ellsworth Kelly’s paintings and sculptures are the heroes of this visual exploration of opposites Up, Down & Other Opposites pairs different combinations of Ellsworth Kelly’s paintings and sculptures to teach the youngest readers all about the concept of opposites. The differences between pairs of artworks range from ‘together / apart’ to ‘vertical / horizontal’, from ‘full / empty’ to ‘front / back’ [of a canvas!], forming both an expected and an unexpected visual vocabulary. Created in partnership with the Ellsworth Kelly Foundation, the book includes some of Kelly’s most famous works, as well as some of his lesser-known pieces, creating both diversity and playful surprises. Ellsworth Kelly was an American painter, sculptor, and printmaker who became known, post-WWII, as one of the country’s leading abstract artists. His work is internationally known, exhibited, awarded, auctioned, and celebrated. Each title in this must-own series of artful read-aloud board uses masterpieces by celebrated artists to teach one of the top early-learning concepts for toddlers. Each concept is explored playfully through a curated selection of beautifully reproduced artworks while the accompanying text enriches the experience with witty, conversational commentary and an ‘about the artist’ text. Companion books in this series feature the art of Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Alexander Calder, and Josef Albers. Age range: 1-3 years