Creative book fair to open in Shenzhen this Thursday

The 9th BIGGER Art Fair will open at the OCAT in Nanshan District this Thursday and will run through Sunday. 

Photos from BIGGER Art Fair's WeChat official account

Under the theme "Theater Between Pages," the latest edition of the art book fair blends paper, creativity, and aesthetics to present a vibrant artistic feast. 

One of the highlights is the poster group exhibition "Makanlah Buah-Buahan Tempatan (Eat Local Fruits)," co-presented by BIGGER and the Kuala Lumpur Art Book Fair (KLABF).

The theme is inspired by a classic drawing assignment from Malaysian primary school art classes. A total of 22 Malaysian artists were invited to create posters, which are transported to Shenzhen for display. Using contemporary visual language, the exhibition reinterprets this nostalgic theme while promoting Malaysian culture.

KLABF, launched in 2021, is dedicated to promoting art books as a creative medium and as a window into diverse worldviews, stories, and perspectives.

Another highlight is a series of six themed exhibitions presented by designers and publishing institutions from five countries. Contributors include the Thai self-publishing studio Wuthipol Designs; the brand OSAMU GOODS by Japanese illustrator Osamu Harada; French artist Hugo Rocci; American artist, designer, and publisher Ben Denzer; Dongguan-based cultural and creative brand Welcome to Xiexie; and Chinese publishing brand SendPoints.

Complementing the exhibitions, the event will also present an interactive paper-based installation created by Studio Spass, a Rotterdam-headquartered design studio. 

Composed of five independent wall structures arranged in layered formations, the work draws inspiration from theatrical stage design to create an immersive, scenographic backdrop — where paper serves as both curtain and script. Each wall is constructed from specially designed paper bricks, inviting visitors to rearrange and assemble them freely, creating their own textual messages or visual compositions.

The fair's art market will feature more than 150 exhibitors from 48 cities across 12 countries. From bookstores, print studios, publishers to illustrators, lifestyle brands, and cultural and creative agencies, each will make its own unique appearance on this shared stage.

In addition, five art institutions from China and Japan, along with several leading publishers from Europe and North America, will present their works at the event.

The event's key visuals are designed by French graphic artist and illustrator Simon Bailly, who is a regular collaborator with Hermès. His style sits between comics and illustration, characterized by a distinctive sense of dark humor. 

Time: 10 a.m.-7 p.m., March 26-29 (entry not allowed after 6:30 p.m.)

Venue: L1, OCAT Hall B10, North Area, OCT-LOFT, Nanshan District (南山区华侨城创意文化园北区OCAT B10馆一层展厅)

Metro: Line 2 to Qiaocheng North Station (侨城北站), Exit B, then walk around 900 meters

Ticketing and more info: Read this article