Fabricio Vanden Broeck: Mexico Illustrator

Fabricio Vanden Broeck was born in Mexico City in 1955. He received his design education in Mexico and Switzerland, working under fellow Andersen nominee, Etienne Delessert. He currently works as an editor, illustrator, and design teacher at the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana in Mexico City. He illustrates for Reforma, a leading Mexican newspaper, and Letras Libres, the leading literary magazine in Mexico where he is also the illustration editor. An accomplished artist, Vanden Broeck has illustrated more than 50 books published in numerous countries and his work has been translated into many languages.

Vanden Broeck uses a variety of techniques in the creation of his illustrations from graphic engraving and scratchboard techniques, to the painterly, including acrylics, color pencil drawing, and watercolors always searching for the best medium to express the work's essence. Not only does his style demonstrate a technical evolution, but he has also undergone a conceptual one. He integrates many graphic and technical elements that highlight Mexican popular culture, indigenous imagery, and mythology, and also offers a universal view of the texts he illustrates. He is cited as one of the first Mexican plastic artists concerned with the creation of children's books as a total work. He uses traditional techniques such as engraving and serigraphy to illustrate children's books, promoting the value of graphic arts in works for children and young adults.

Vanden Broeck's illus-trations characteristically involve the use of intensely colored hues to intensify the mood and tone of the story. Many of his works rely heavily on the use of dramatic shading. His art is a visual delight, which captures the smallest details down to the twitching nose of an animal. José Luis Cuevas compares Vanden Broeck's style to that of Magritte or Odilón Rendon.

Fabricio Vanden Broeck's work has garnered many awards and he has received wide recognition for his book illustrations, as well as for his work in newspaper design. He has taken part in numerous exhibitions, both in Mexico City and abroad.