Aya

A tender children’s story about the stunted metamorphosis of a caterpillar:

Berlin-based artist Jeppe Hein (born 1974) and his wife, Silke, have collaborated to create an enchanting rite-of-passage story in the form of a poignant children’s picture book. Aya tells the tale of a caterpillar named Aya who has a difficult start to life, but eventually metamorphosizes into a radiant butterfly. Inspired by the birth complications and subsequent handicap of their eldest daughter, Jeppe and Silke Hein bring this touching story to life with their artwork: Jeppe Hein's watercolor drawings are congenially and sensitively enhanced by Silke Hein's nature photography.

There is no question that this stunning work is not only for children. Images of such sophisticated colorfulness will captivate viewers of all ages and lend wings to their own flights of fancy. The text is written by children's editor Elisabeth Kiertzner, in close dialogue with Jeppe and Silke Hein.