插画艺术的内涵与潜力，远比想象中更广阔：专访2025GAF上海插画艺术节主办方许润禾先生

Core Viewpoint - The 2025 GAF Shanghai Illustration Art Festival aims to merge art and commerce, showcasing the potential of illustration as a versatile medium that transcends traditional boundaries and enhances various industries [3][10][12] Group 1: Event Overview - The festival will take place from August 8 to 10, 2025, at the Shanghai New International Expo Center, covering over 26,000 square meters and featuring seven thematic exhibition areas and more than 30 events [1][3] - It is the largest international illustration art exhibition in China, gathering over 800 artists from countries including Japan, South Korea, Singapore, the Philippines, Malaysia, and Thailand, marking the highest level of international participation to date [1][3] Group 2: Highlights of the Festival - Notable highlights include the presence of 87-year-old Chinese painting master Dai Dunbang, who will showcase original works for the first time, and the participation of globally renowned artists like Yoshitaka Amano and international painting master Seiji Fujishiro [5][7] - The festival emphasizes modern expressions of Eastern aesthetics and aims to attract more global artists in the future [5][7] Group 3: Industry Insights - The festival's organizer believes that illustration art has significant cross-industry empowerment potential, capable of reconstructing commercial value, innovating cultural dissemination, and integrating technology [7][9] - Five key areas for future development include: 1. Empowering the cultural tourism industry through illustrated content [9] 2. Enhancing education by visualizing complex concepts [9] 3. Supporting commercial branding and personalized customization [9] 4. Contributing to urban renewal through public space illustrations [9] 5. Innovating with technology, particularly in knowledge visualization [9] Group 4: Future Directions - The festival aims to go beyond mere exhibition by focusing on high-quality content and market demand alignment, fostering a deep integration of art and commercial markets [10][12] - The goal is to create an ecosystem that attracts global quality illustration content while nurturing domestic original works [10][12] Group 5: Impact on Shanghai - The festival is expected to enhance Shanghai's status as an international cultural metropolis, showcasing its cultural inclusivity and leadership in contemporary art forms [11][12] - It will stimulate the creative industry ecosystem in Shanghai, attracting global talent, technology, and capital, while enriching local cultural life [11][12]