CORY REYNOLDS | DATE 9/1/2022

Let the wild rumpus start

Maurice Sendak lovers, rejoice! Wild Things Are Happening: The Art of Maurice Sendak has finally arrived. Featuring a wealth of previously unpublished archival materials, this superb, copiously-illustrated, 248-page hardcover is the most comprehensive survey of Sendak's work ever published—brought to us by DelMonico Books and the Columbus Museum of Art, where the corresponding exhibition will open in October 2022. "I want [children] to feel that they’re not being lied to," Sendak is quoted. "I want them to feel that here’s somebody who respects them. And peculiarly remembers what it was like, how hard it was. Everybody says, 'Why do you dwell on the dark side?' I’m perfectly aware that childhood at moments is the happiest time of all. But that’s not my subject. Other people have talked about the baby bliss and done it very well. My subject is the other side of the moon of childhood. Because that’s the side I remember most. And I address myself to that, because you want to bring comfort, to yourself, because old childhood nightmares still pervade you, no matter how old you are. So you’re constantly appeasing that part of you that remains the child. And in so doing you are appeasing and helping and enlightening those real children in the world. Not a lot of people address this and talk to them about it and respect them for it and forgive them for wild and outrageous emotions and thoughts they have." Featured image is Sendak's poster design for the Where the Wild Things Are and Higglety Pigglety Pop! opera, 1985. © The Maurice Sendak Foundation.