Ximo Abadía, Spain

Ximo Abadía was born in Alicante in 1983. After completing his studies in illustration in Madrid, he became a graphic designer for advertising and made a name for himself as an illustrator both at home and abroad. Ximo Abadía numbers among Spain’s most productive and politically engaged book artists. His picture books, comic books and non-fiction works deal with equal rights, autocracies, war and peace – but also with cheerful topics such as mountain climbing or enjoying time at the beach. He has won numerous international prizes, most recently the 2024 Bologna Ragazzi Award.

Ximo Abadía artfully stages his fun-filled and serious topics with strong glowing colours, unusual perspectives and an abstract, comic-like stylization. Trusting in the power of the pictures and a colour-intensive design scheme, he employs rather less text than too much. This results in visually impressive, encouraging picture books that are works of art for both young and old.

To Goliath. In the world of differences and Boom. The war of the colours from Ximo Abadía 

The events with Ximo Abadía will be moderated by Jochen Weber, head of editorial department at the International Youth Library.