While Dick Bruna (1927–2017) was writing and illustrating his early books for children, he was also designing book covers for mysteries and detective novels: 2,000 of them. On the other side of the world, Japanese artists and designers were designing matchbox labels. What do Dick Bruna’s covers have to do with Japanese matchboxes? Absolutely nothing—until they’re placed side-by-side. Only then does it seem the two must be related. But they aren’t. It’s just a contrived coincidence. But that’s OK. Comparing and contrasting are essential tools for seeing—and understanding what we see. This exhibition isn’t really about Dick Bruna or Japanese matchboxes. It’s simply about looking and making connections.