Illustrator Nominee: Greece

Vassílis Papatsaroúchas
Greece, Illustrator

I have chosen to concentrate on the theme of being different and special, both in the writing and, to a much greater extent, in the illustration of books, since it is something which concerns me deeply and I think that work is needed if we are to succeed in being open to such subjects and the challenges they pose.

– Vassílis Papatsaroúchas

Born in Athens in 1975, Vassílis Papatsaroúchas studied painting and graphic arts at the Athens School of Fine Arts. His paintings, constructions and video art have appeared in group exhibitions and he has also taken part in international exhibitions of illustration, including those held in Bologna and Bratislava. He has illustrated some 30 books for children and adults to date. Two of these are collectors' editions, and for two others he also wrote the text. A number of the texts he has illustrated are classic stories, and he seems to delight in showing well-known scenes in a way that makes them vivid and fresh for the reader. He has also worked with some of Greece's best-known authors including Chrístos Boulótis and Eugene Trivizas. His work has been translated, and he has received awards for his distinctive artwork.

His background in graphic arts is evident in his well-designed pages, eye for composition, strong colours and an ability to visually heighten moments of drama in a story, sometimes by creating a dream-like, or even nightmarish atmosphere. Often he seizes on the darker elements in a text, and how this is received by children has been speculated upon. He responds to such comments by saying that this is not only acceptable but an integral part of children's books, especially in those with classical content. It is a challenge for him to take on such books. While always respecting the young reader, he risks excesses in colour and design which often lead the child to a knowledge and a heightened aesthetic sense. His illustrations yield precedence to the picture over the word, and for him, it is pictures that set the tone of the story.