How can we pass on a passion for photography to younger generations? That is the goal of the exhibition Let’s Play Photobooks, curated by Vreni Hockenjos, Mareike Stoll, and Jan von Holleben for the 2025 Łódź Fotofestiwal.
With a selection of photobooks on display, brightly colored walls, and a workshop space where children can create their own photo books, the exhibition is designed to spark curiosity. Conceived as a cultural playground, the interactive space is meant to engage children and adults alike. In a time when screens dominate children’s attention, the exhibition seeks to make reading appealing by embracing the codes and aesthetics of younger audiences.
Why Photobooks Matter for Children
“Every day, our eyes are exposed to thousands of images,” says co-curator Vreni Hockenjos. “Opening a photobook allows children to slow down, to take time to look at each image carefully.” For many children, photobooks are their first books, combining photographs and illustrations to spark the imagination.
Many people remember learning the alphabet through picture books, where each letter was paired with an image. These tools remain widely used by educators today. “Once children learn to read, they move on to text-based books,” adds Mareike Stoll. “Photobooks act as a bridge between visual discovery and the world of written language.”
A Photobook Collection Designed for Young Readers
Among the books available in the exhibition are titles from French publisher Les Grandes Personnes, known for producing sturdy, colorful books that are built to withstand wear and tear. The latest title in the collection is WAOUH!, created by Jan von Holleben using photographs by British photographer Martin Parr.
Children are invited to engage with the content actively—questioning image sequences, composition, and framing. A magnetic board features a selection of Parr’s photographs, encouraging children to pair images based on color, objects, or themes. There are no right or wrong answers. Throughout the exhibition, children’s senses—especially sight and touch—are continually stimulated. In contrast to screen-based experiences, which often isolate children and rely solely on visual input, photobooks offer a richer, multisensory journey.
The future of children’s photobooks looks promising. As long as there is a need for strong educational foundations, the value of such books will endure. “The best gift you can give a child,” say the curators, “is curiosity and critical thinking—qualities that grow through reading and engaging with others.”
“Let’s Play Photobooks”
Exhibition dates: June 12–22, 2025
Venue: Art Inkubator, Tymienieckiego 3, Łódź, Poland
Part of the 2025 Łódź Fotofestiwal
