In November 2018, Shanghai International Children’s Book (CCBF) Fair selected three Spanish illustrators among the most promising of their generation to spend ten days in Shanghai as artists-in-residence, with the mission to turn Shanghai into their creative playfield.
Seasoned travellers and keen observers of their urban environment, Joan Negrescolor (Barcelona, 1978), Miguel Pang Ly (Barcelona, 1980) and Adolfo Serra (Teruel, 1980) drew an amusing yet insightful portrait of the city, which overthrows visual clichés and unveils the most human aspects of the 25 million-inhabitant metropolis. The artists-in-residence spiced up the project by opting for Chinese traditional materials—coloured inks, rice papers— and formats—scrolls, accordion sketchbooks—as pillars of their creative process.
Ten days of walks through Shanghai’s bustling avenues and hidden alleys resulted in artworks—both personal creations and collective endeavours— of which a selection of 40 pieces is exhibited in Bologna. The exhibition Shanghai Impressions is therefore another manifestation of the growing connections between Bologna and Shanghai as heartlands of quality children’s illustration. First project of this nature to be organised by the China Shanghai International Children’s Book Fair, the CCBF Art Residence was supported in 2018 by Acción Cultural Española (AC/E) and the Shanghai Duo Yun Xuan Art Centre.
The Bologna Children’s Book Fair is the most important professional event dedicated to children’s books and content. With over 50 years of experience the fair brings together a diverse global audience, spreading books and illustration throughout the world and connecting different cultures. All the professionals of the publishing world flock to the event each year to discover the latest trends in children’s books and illustration and take part in a rich programme of events.
Within the framework of the 56th edition, BCBF dedicates one of its main events to the representation of women in children’s books. This international meeting will bring together women publishers, authors and illustrators to offer a deep dive into the imagery of women and girls in children’s books and illustration and the role they play in children's understanding of the world. Spain, in particular, reveals an interesting production of great children’s books with inspiring women characters.
Seasoned travellers and keen observers of their urban environment, Joan Negrescolor (Barcelona, 1978), Miguel Pang Ly (Barcelona, 1980) and Adolfo Serra (Teruel, 1980) drew an amusing yet insightful portrait of the city, which overthrows visual clichés and unveils the most human aspects of the 25 million-inhabitant metropolis. The artists-in-residence spiced up the project by opting for Chinese traditional materials—coloured inks, rice papers— and formats—scrolls, accordion sketchbooks—as pillars of their creative process.
Ten days of walks through Shanghai’s bustling avenues and hidden alleys resulted in artworks—both personal creations and collective endeavours— of which a selection of 40 pieces is exhibited in Bologna. The exhibition Shanghai Impressions is therefore another manifestation of the growing connections between Bologna and Shanghai as heartlands of quality children’s illustration. First project of this nature to be organised by the China Shanghai International Children’s Book Fair, the CCBF Art Residence was supported in 2018 by Acción Cultural Española (AC/E) and the Shanghai Duo Yun Xuan Art Centre.
The Bologna Children’s Book Fair is the most important professional event dedicated to children’s books and content. With over 50 years of experience the fair brings together a diverse global audience, spreading books and illustration throughout the world and connecting different cultures. All the professionals of the publishing world flock to the event each year to discover the latest trends in children’s books and illustration and take part in a rich programme of events.
Within the framework of the 56th edition, BCBF dedicates one of its main events to the representation of women in children’s books. This international meeting will bring together women publishers, authors and illustrators to offer a deep dive into the imagery of women and girls in children’s books and illustration and the role they play in children's understanding of the world. Spain, in particular, reveals an interesting production of great children’s books with inspiring women characters.