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Bryan Collier

ブライアン・コリアー

Buraian Korīā

Profile

Gender
Male
Born
1967-01-01 （Pocomoke City, Maryland）
Nationality
American
Languages
English
Religion
Unknown
Residence History
Pocomoke City, Maryland → New York City

Career

Occupations
Children's book illustrator, Children's book author
Active Years
1999-2024
Affiliations
Harlem Horizon Art Studio
Influenced By
Ezra Jack Keats, Maurice Sendak, Crockett Johnson
Nominations
Hans Christian Andersen Award U.S. illustrator nominee (2014)

Education

Pratt Institute
Art Department
Country: United States
Received scholarship through national talent competition, graduated with honors

Awards

Ezra Jack Keats New Illustrator Award
2000
Work: Uptown
Result: winner
Coretta Scott King Award for Illustrators
2001
Work: Uptown
Organization: Coretta Scott King Award Committee
Result: winner
Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor
2001
Work: Freedom River
Organization: Coretta Scott King Award Committee
Result: honor
Coretta Scott King Illustrator Honor
2002
Work: Martin's Big Words
Organization: Coretta Scott King Award Committee
Result: honor
Caldecott Honor
2002
Work: Martin's Big Words
Organization: Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC)
Result: honor
Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award
2006
Work: Rosa
Organization: Coretta Scott King Award Committee
Result: winner
Caldecott Honor
2006
Work: Rosa
Organization: Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC)
Result: honor
Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award
2011
Work: Dave the Potter
Organization: Coretta Scott King Award Committee
Result: winner
Caldecott Honor
2011
Work: Dave the Potter
Organization: Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC)
Result: honor
Coretta Scott King Illustrator Award
2016
Work: Trombone Shorty
Organization: Coretta Scott King Award Committee
Result: winner
Caldecott Honor
2016
Work: Trombone Shorty
Organization: Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC)
Result: honor

Awards & Nominations

Works

Major Works

Uptown

2000 Children's literature

A picture book depicting Uptown Harlem. Collier's first book that he both wrote and illustrated.

African American cultureHarlem

Rosa

2005 Children's biography

A picture book about the life of Rosa Parks, written by Nikki Giovanni.

Civil Rights MovementNon-violent resistance

Trombone Shorty

2015 Children's biography

A picture book about the childhood of trombonist Troy Andrews.

MusicNew Orleans

Bibliography

  • Uptown
  • Freedom River
  • Martin's Big Words
  • Rosa
  • Dave the Potter
  • Trombone Shorty

Style & Themes

Literary Style
Unique technique combining watercolors with photographic collage
Recurring Motifs
African American experienceBuilding self-esteem

Legacy

Renowned for illustrating children's books depicting African American experiences, winner of multiple Coretta Scott King Awards and Caldecott Honors. U.S. nominee for Hans Christian Andersen Award in 2014.

Quotes

  • It gives the community, the schools, the kids, and the parents the opportunity to come together for a very positive uplifting cause—the building and re-building of self-esteem, teaching the appreciation of art, and keeping the kids connected and involved and away from negative influences.
    Source: Interview

Trivia

  • Began working with watercolors and photo collage at age 15, which 'clicked' overnight.
  • Won first place in a Congressional Competition in high school, with his painting displayed in the U.S. Capitol for a year.