The Green Conjurer

A key reference point for identifying new trends and emerging talents in illustration, the Illustrators Exhibition of the Bologna Children's Book Fair reaches its 60th edition this year, reaffirming its status as one of the most significant events in the field of illustration. Illustrators Annual 2026 brings together the works of 75 artists selected for the 60th Illustrators Exhibition from over 4,000 submissions originating in 94 countries. This extensive catalogue offers a broad view of the illustrated universe through perspectives from every corner of the world. The selected images follow a common thread of creativity and the pursuit of strong emotional impact, chosen by this year’s jury members: Sunkyung Cho (illustrator and director of the picture-book publishing house Somebooks), Jenni Erkintalo (author, illustrator and co-founder of Etana Editions), Alīse Nigale (director of Liels un Mazs), Daniela Olejníková (illustrator), and Riccardo Vecchio (artist and faculty member at the School of Visual Arts in New York). The cover has been created by the Iranian illustrator Noushin Sadeghian, winner of the Grand Prix at the Biennial of Illustration Bratislava 2025. In addition to all the selected works, the volume includes contributions by the jury members and a special essay by illustrator Shaun Tan. On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Illustrators Exhibition, this year’s Annual also features a special insert curated by Paola Vassalli, retracing its history and mapping a journey through styles and trends in illustration as reflected by past juries and selected artists.