Phillus

Chinese Illustrator Cai Gao Wins the 2026 Hans Christian Andersen Award🌟 On April 13, 2026, Chinese illustrator Cai Gao has been awarded the 2026 Hans Christian Andersen Award for Illustration, announced at the Bologna Children's Book Fair in Italy. She becomes the first Chinese illustrator in history to receive this prestigious honor — widely regarded as the “Nobel Prize of children’s literature.” This lifetime achievement award recognizes not only artistic excellence, but also a profound contribution to children’s literature worldwide. Rooted in Chinese ink traditions and folk culture, Cai Gao’s work brings together poetic imagination, humanistic depth, and an authentic child’s perspective. Her recognition marks a historic breakthrough for Chinese original picture books, signaling a new global visibility for Chinese storytelling and visual language. From Hunan to the world — a milestone moment for Chinese illustration. At Phillus and PIIAC (Paris International Illustration Art Center), we are honored to collaborate with Hunan Juvenile & Children’s Publishing House on the Chinese Excellence program, recently presented in Paris. This award further affirms a shared vision: Chinese illustration is stepping onto the global stage — with strength, depth, and a distinct cultural voice. 👏 Congratulations to Cai Gao — a truly historic achievement. Image credits: P1: IBBY P2: Junmi Hu, Hunan Juvenile & Children’s Publishing House P3: Yu Lu, Jieli Publishing House #Illustration #hanschristianandersen #bologna

A visit to the Paris studio of Italian master Lorenzo Mattotti✨ Recently we had the honour of being invited into the studio of Lorenzo Mattotti @lorenzomattotti , one of the most influential artists working across comics, illustration, animation and contemporary painting. Opening the drawers of his flat files felt like discovering a living archive: luminous sérigraphies, original pages from Fires, travel sketches from Cambodia, and intimate drawings rarely shown to the public. Mattotti shared reflections on his evolving practice — from the powerful narrative language of his early works to the increasingly abstract landscapes he explores today. We also had the privilege of seeing new paintings currently being prepared for Art Paris, as well as a striking black-and-white series titled Stranded. Warm, generous, and endlessly curious, Mattotti welcomed us into a creative universe shaped by nearly fifty years of artistic exploration. We are honoured to soon present works by Lorenzo Mattotti in China, and we look forward to introducing this remarkable European artist to a new generation of audiences. Please stay tuned for more to come @phillus_official .🔥 #LorenzoMattotti #ArtistStudio #Illustration #ContemporaryArt #ParisArtScene

We are pleased to announce the successful opening of Jean Mallard’s exhibition “Halo of the Sun and Moon ”🌙☀️ in Shanghai. Presented by Defrag, the exhibition unfolds within a curated exhibition-retail space that extends Jean Mallard’s visual universe beyond the gallery format, transforming artworks, objects, and everyday items into a cohesive artistic narrative. We would like to express our sincere thanks to the Defrag curatorial team for their refined and thoughtful presentation, as well as to Chinese artist Guituzi, representing Phillus, who hosted on-site sketching sessions and shared first-hand insights into Sino-French illustration exchanges. Our heartfelt thanks also go to all friends and guests who joined us for the opening and contributed to this warm and inspiring moment 🌹 The exhibition will remain on view until March next year. You are warmly invited to visit, explore, and experience this immersive artistic space ✨ Sketching materials for this session were generously supported by Mont Marte. #ArtExhibition #ContemporaryIllustration #ShanghaiArt #ArtAndDesign #CreativeCulture

Lorenzo Mattotti’s China Debut 🔥 On April 17, the first China exhibition of Italian master Lorenzo Mattotti @lorenzomattotti officially opened at Shanghai Illustration Town, and has since received an overwhelmingly warm response from Chinese audiences and the local art community. As part of the exhibition preparations, Phillus collaborated with Shanghai Illustration Town on a special introduction video dedicated to Mattotti’s work — bringing the visual universe of this iconic artist closer to a new generation of viewers in China. From exhibitions to cross-cultural artistic dialogue, the project reflects our ongoing commitment to creating meaningful connections between international artists and the Chinese creative landscape. The exhibition is still ongoing. Stay tuned for more. #art #illustration #LorenzoMattotti

𝗢𝗽𝗲𝗻 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 — Phillus × Grafixx We’re excited to officially announce the collaboration between Phillus and the Belgian international graphic arts festival Grafixx. As Grafixx’s China partner for 2026, Phillus and PIIAC will jointly launch the Open Call for the Grafixx 2026 Animation Screenings, welcoming submissions from animation directors, illustrators, visual artists, independent studios and art schools from China. Selected films will be screened during the 14th edition of Grafixx Festival in Antwerp, Belgium. Grafixx is one of Europe’s leading contemporary graphic arts platforms, bringing together illustration, comics, animation, visual storytelling and experimental moving images. Artists previously connected with Grafixx include Lorenzo Mattotti, Icinori, Aidan Koch, Chihoi, Brecht Evens, Nora Krug, María Medem, Ephameron, Chris Ware and many more — several of whom have already entered the Chinese market through collaborations with Phillus. Phillus will also participate in the recommendation and selection process for outstanding animation works from China. Open Call now open. Deadline: July 31, 2026 We warmly welcome everyone to apply ✨ @grafixxfest #art #animation #opencall #animatedshorts #Grafixx

Phillus × PIIAC Join the MOPC 2026 Jury 🌟 We are honored to announce that Fiona Dong, founder and director of Phillus and president of PIIAC, has been invited to join the jury panel of MOPC 2026, the Russian International Festival of Book Illustration and Visual Literature. Founded in Russia, MOPC is an independent international festival dedicated to book illustration and visual literature, bringing together illustrators, artists, publishers, and visual storytellers from around the world. The festival is known for its exhibitions, artist markets, publishing projects, and support for emerging creative voices within the international illustration scene. Grateful to see the growing international recognition of Phillus × PIIAC, as we continue building bridges between artists, cultures, and the global illustration community. 🌍 Looking forward to discovering inspiring new talents and artworks. @berrywaterfest #Illustration #mopc #illustrations

Art Breakfast at the Musée Picasso Paris 🌟 On May 11, organized by Zionsay, Phillus and PIIAC were delighted to collaborate with the Musée Picasso Paris for a special Art Breakfast in Paris. Rather than a traditional museum tour, the experience invited artists and creators to enter Picasso’s world through an artist’s perspective. Led by France-based artist and curator Su Meiyu, the morning explored the emotions behind Picasso’s Blue Period, the birth of Cubism, and the artistic dialogues between Picasso, Matisse, Cézanne, Gauguin, and African sculpture. “To look at art, you must look with the eyes of an artist.” After the visit, guests shared breakfast in the museum courtyard and sketched quietly in front of Picasso’s original works — surrounded by coffee, sketchbooks, and the calm atmosphere of the museum at dawn. Special thanks to the Musée Picasso Paris, Zionsay, and all the artists who joined us. @zionsay_ @museepicassoparis

Phillus × PIIAC Art Breakfast at Musée Picasso Paris On May 11, Phillus × PIIAC were delighted to collaborate with the Musée national Picasso-Paris @museepicassoparis for a special “Art Breakfast” gathering inside the museum, organized together with the Paris-based cultural agency Zionsay. @zionsay_ For this occasion, renowned France-based Chinese artist, curator, and recipient of the French Order of Arts and Letters, Ms. Su Meiyu, led an immersive VIP guided tour for invited artists and creators active in Paris. Rather than following a conventional art historical narrative, Ms. Su guided everyone through Picasso’s world “through the eyes of an artist” — exploring the emotional depth of the Blue Period, the influence of Olga, Marie-Thérèse, and Dora Maar, as well as the impact of Cézanne, Matisse, African sculpture, Cubism, and Surrealism on Picasso’s ever-evolving visual language. From distorted anatomy and spatial construction to the logic behind Cubism, Ms. Su brought modern art vividly to life with an artist’s perspective, reminding everyone throughout the visit: “To truly see art, one must look through the eyes of an artist.” After the tour, invited artists gathered around original Picasso works to enjoy a special breakfast prepared by the museum, while documenting the experience through sketches, illustrations, and visual notes in a warm and inspiring atmosphere. Invited artists included Fiona Dong, Han Qin, Fei Xiaofu, Guo Zihao, and Schild. @schild_illustrator @jiaqinhan @feixiaofu @dudo_gzh @fiona_.paris About Zionsay Zionsay is an independent Paris-based cultural communication agency focusing on museums and cultural institutions, combining film, art, AI, 3D, and motion design to create contemporary cultural narratives. About Phillus × PIIAC Based in Paris, Phillus and the Paris International Illustration Art Center (PIIAC) are dedicated to fostering Sino-French and international visual art exchange through exhibitions, artist projects, and cultural collaborations. #art #picasso

P A Y S A G E S [ X 3 ] This week, we were deeply moved to visit P A Y S A G E S [ X 3 ] at Huberty & Breyne — a tender and beautifully curated family exhibition bringing together the works of François Avril, Dominique Corbasson, and Gloria Avril. Across generations and through the passing of time, the exhibition unfolds like an intimate visual conversation. One can sense the subtle echoes and mutual influences between the three artists, while each still preserves a singular and unmistakable visual language of their own. The dialogue between their works feels profoundly human, warm, and emotional. We were especially touched by Dominique Corbasson’s Paris series. Her modern sensibility, masterful use of negative space, and unforgettable treatment of Parisian rooftop blues — together with her delicate balance of blue and white — have deeply influenced generations of contemporary illustrators. Though she is no longer with us, her artistic presence remains incredibly alive through these works. Standing before them, we felt both admiration and emotion, and we pay tribute to an illustrator who holds an important place in the history of illustration. Special thanks to the team behind the exhibition for the thoughtful curation and for bringing together such a meaningful dialogue between generations of artists. The exhibition runs until June 13 — highly recommended for anyone in Paris interested in illustration, painting, and artistic dialogues across generations. @francois_avril @gloria__avril @dominique_corbasson @hubertybreyne #art #Illustration

Qin Han — All About Love ✨ This week, we were delighted to visit All About Love, the solo exhibition of our Chinese artist friend Qin Han at Hôtel Parister in Paris. Graduated from both the École nationale supérieure des Beaux-Arts de Paris and the China Academy of Art in Hangzhou, Qin Han develops a poetic visual universe where body, dream, love, and humor intertwine. Through playful yet delicate compositions, her works create suspended spaces between intimacy and imagination. One series that particularly moved us was Love Series, in which the word “love” is endlessly rewritten in different languages until it fills the entire surface. Written simultaneously with both hands, the gesture becomes almost meditative — balancing instinct and consciousness, language and emotion. The accidental red stains add a sense of vitality and unpredictability, reminding us that every translation of love remains alive and imperfect. Always inspiring to see Chinese contemporary artists bringing such sensitive and personal artistic voices into the Paris art scene ✨ @jiaqinhan #art #chineseart

Ugo Bienvenu — A Poetic Vision of the Future Yesterday, we had the pleasure of meeting the incredibly talented artist Ugo Bienvenu @ugobienvenu at Galerie Martel @galerie.martel in Paris. Among the emerging voices of contemporary visual art, Ugo Bienvenu stands out as one of the most singular. Moving freely between painting, animation, comics, music videos, fashion and film, he has built a universe that feels both deeply poetic and unmistakably futuristic. Raised between Central America and Africa, Bienvenu grew up surrounded by diverse visual cultures — from Hayao Miyazaki and Franco-Belgian comics to Mexican street art — all of which continue to shape his artistic language today. After studying at École Estienne, Gobelins, ENSAD and CalArts, he developed a rigorous and uncompromising approach to image-making, constantly seeking new forms beyond the familiar. Through works such as Paiement accepté, Préférence système, Premium+ and Remembers, Bienvenu uses science fiction not to escape reality, but to reflect on the present: memory, technology, family, ecology, and the fragile way humans inhabit the world. What makes his work so striking is the contrast between the softness of his visual language — warm tones, elegant curves, quiet atmospheres — and the profound existential tension hidden beneath. A rare artist capable of transforming futuristic narratives into deeply human stories. A truly inspiring encounter in Paris. ✨ The exhibition remains on view until 25/07/2026 at Galerie Martel — warmly recommended for anyone in Paris. #art #animation #Illustration

PiiAC Art Immersion Program — Day 3 Under the Mediterranean light, time seems subtly re-tinted. From Nice to Monaco, where precision and order shape a distinct visual language. At the Prince's Palace of Monaco, ritual rhythm turns structure into something visible. In Menton, color takes over—ochre walls, blue sea, and radiant light in dialogue. As Henri Matisse revealed, light defines how things exist. From order to color, from structure to sensation—this journey reshapes perception. Sketching becomes a way of seeing: line, proportion, color, and harmony under Mediterranean light. — 📍 South of France Art Immersion · Session II Limited spots available 👉 DM “South of France + Name” for details 👉 Follow PiiAC 🌍 PiiAC × Phillus Connecting France, China & the global art scene through illustration and cross-cultural exchange. #SouthOfFrance #ArtResidency #MediterraneanLight #IllustrationCommunity #PiiAC