Jüri Mildeberg

Jüri Mildeberg (also known by his nom-de-plume Mildebergius) was born in Tallinn in 1965. He started his career as a painter and graphic artist, and has developed international renown in both of these fields. Every year his solo exhibitions are displayed in various locations around the world from Finland to Japan. His first experiment in the field of illustration was Canterville’i lossi vaim (1991) (The Canterville Ghost) by Oscar Wilde, but he didn’t start illustrating books regularly until 1999. He has now illustrated about 20 books, including Nukkude teater (Puppets Theatre, 2006) by Mihkel Ulman, Kahjulikud nõuanded (Harmful Advice, 2006) by Grigori Oster, Estonian Fairy Tales (2007) by August Jakobson and Ühes väikses veidras linnas (In a Strange Little Town, 2009) by Aino Pervik.

Mildeberg’s pictures all have a pleasurable twist to them. There is a cheerful absurd sense of humour as well as warmth, friendliness and mystery. His calm colours enchant the viewer and invite us into the mythical fantasy world he has created. Large surfaces interchange with small details and everything has its part to play. His pictures make you think as well as explore and discover the different layers of the work.

Mildeberg’s work has been recognized with several honours and awards including two diplomas at the international Tallinn Illustration Triennial “Power of Pictures” in 2003, and Certificates of Merit at Estonian competitions for the 25 Best Designed Books and the 5 Best Designed Children’s Books for 1999, 2005, 2006 and 2008. He was included in the IBBY Honour List 2008 for his illustrations for Ruttu tuttu! (Hush-a-By Baby! Bedtime Stories by Estonian Fathers, 2005).