BolognaBookPlus set to host its first Illustration & Design Forum

BolognaBookPlus is hosting its first Illustration & Design Forum, January 23rd 2024, at the Groucho Club, London, as part of the overall Bologna Grand Tour, which sees the Bologna brand (BCBF, BBPLUS and BLTF) travel from Frankfurt to New York, Guadalajara to London, with the grand finale in New Delhi.

The Illustration & Design Forum, showcasing the expertise, talent and experience of the rock stars of illustration – and those who commission them – is aimed at the book illustrators and designers of tomorrow. Comprising three major panels and concluding with portfolio reviews, it will offer inspiration as well as a behind-the-scenes view, for those interested in design and illustration in general trade publishing, in particular those starting out, or studying in the arena.

Curated in partnership with Mimaster Illustrazione (Milan), Jon Gray, Neil Packer and Jack Smyth, the award-winners behind Dante, Shakespeare, 400th anniversary The Complete Plays, William Gibson’s Neuromancer, Zadie Smith’s Grand Union, Kurt Vonnegut’s BlueBeard George Orwell’s 1984 and Ngozi Adichie’s Half of a Yellow Sun in addition to countless more, give a rare glimpse into the creative process behind design classics and the business of bringing to life the words between the covers.

Jacks Thomas, Guest Director, BolognaBookPlus says,“Doors are opened to the stories within by great illustration and design; non-fiction is complemented by fabulous visuals…the part played by those behind the design, production and art in publishing is immense. It is a pleasure to build on the Bologna brand here in London and to give a platform to incredible UK talent while introducing the design professionals of tomorrow.”

While, Giacomo Benelli, International Programming, MimasterIllustrazion says,“This Forum will celebrate the present and the future…to date, images produced with AI are recognisable because they have a taste of déjà vu, of copying…The visual dictionary of AI is potentially limitless but we will examine the crucial – and creative – part played by humans in this new world. We are excited to explore the creative potential of human error, physical randomness, and algorithmic precision during this first forum in London.”