Ukrainian illustrator Maria Rizak designs Bologna Children's Book Fair 2027 identity
Maria Rizak has created the visual identity for the 2027 Bologna Children's Book Fair: six landscapes in needle and thread, themed "Landscape" as a response to border conflicts around the world.
Ukrainian illustrator Maria Rizak has created the new visual identity for the 2027 Bologna Children's Book Fair, one of the best-known gatherings of the children's publishing world. Ukrainian public broadcaster Suspilne Kultura reported the news on 18 October.
Six landscapes in thread
The theme chosen for the identity is "Landscape". According to Suspilne Kultura, it was selected in response to "border conflicts happening around the world".
The visual design consists of six landscapes. Rizak made them using a technique of working with needle and thread, so the images are stitched rather than drawn or painted. The source did not say how the images will be used, for example on posters, printed materials or digital channels. It also gave no further detail about the artist's approach, and the organisers' own statement was not part of the material available to RealUA.
About the fair
The Bologna Children's Book Fair is held in Bologna, Italy. It is an international meeting point for publishers, authors, illustrators, agents and rights buyers working in books for young readers. The fair is also known for its focus on illustration, which makes the choice of an illustrator to shape its public image a notable honour.
For Ukrainian readers and the wider cultural community, the news is a mark of international recognition for a Ukrainian artist. The chosen theme, which speaks to borders and conflict, also carries particular weight at a time when Ukraine is fighting a full-scale war with Russia. The source, however, does not link the theme directly to Ukraine, and it speaks only of conflicts around the world.
What is not yet known
The Suspilne Kultura post does not give the dates of the 2027 fair. It also does not say how Rizak was selected or what the six images depict. RealUA will update the story if the organisers or the artist provide more detail.
