If we tell you that the illustrator behind the official image for Kolibrí’s 10th Anniversary is Gustavo Ariel Rosemffet Abramovich (AR), you might not recognize the name. But if we say it’s Gusti, we’re sure to bring a smile to your face. 

In such a special edition, where our Kolibrí has been fluttering for 10 years to achieve more diversity in the children’s cultural sector, we couldn’t leave our beloved little bird in better hands and brushes. 

Kolibrí Festivaali is honoured to have Gusti as the illustrator for the official image of our tenth anniversary. We invite you to get to know him a bit more, discover his work, and of course, participate in his panels and workshops during the festival! 

Over 40 Years Illustrating Literature and Inclusion

After obtaining his degree in Design and Advertising Promotion from the Argentine School of Art Fernando Fader, he began working illustrating magazines and in well-known animation studios such as Catu and Hanna Barbera. 

But soon he decided to focus on literary creation, writing and illustrating children’s and young adult books. 

In fact, in his over 40-year career, he has already surpassed the milestone of 150 books published in more than 20 languages, in publishers from Japan, Taiwan, Switzerland, France, Spain, Argentina, Germany, and the United States. 

Thanks to his vast body of work, he has earned prestigious awards such as the Bratislava Golden Apple Prix, the National Illustration Award in Spain, the Lazarillo Award, or the JUNCEDA Award granted by the Professional Association of Illustrators of Catalonia (Spain), where he has lived for many years. 

In 2016, he won the Bologna Ragazzi Award in the disability category for his intimate work “Mallko y papá” (Océano Travesía), in which he shows us what it’s like to be the father, mother, or sibling of Mallko, his son with Down syndrome. 

And if there’s one theme that stands out in the books written and illustrated by Gusti, it’s inclusion, or equality of opportunities. 

A reality illustrated and written with the naturalness and humour necessary in many of his other works, such as “No somos angelitos” (Océano Travesía). 

“Disability is scary. These topics are handled with kid gloves. Why are we so afraid to talk about it? I’m a better person since my son was born, and I wouldn’t change it for anything, but there are also days when the world falls apart”, he explains. 

He is currently finishing his next work, “Es muy fácil viajar con un oso”. It’s a book full of humour inspired by the anecdotes experienced in airports with his son Mallko. 

And as Gusti claims, “Children with disabilities also have the right to be cheeky and do silly things”. 

In 2014, he co-founded the association Windown, where he promotes inclusive art workshops from the Catalan city of Sant Cugat del Vallès. If you want to support this project, you can buy the paintings created by the artists in the workshops on the association’s website. 

Besides being a writer, illustrator, and activist for the rights of people with disabilities, we can’t forget his recycling projects in Mexico and Colombia, or his work in defence of the Andean condor and birds in South America. These works showcase his other great passion, nature. 

Other Awarded Titles: 

• “Mallko y papá”. 
• “Papá se fue a la selva”. 
• “El elefante encadenado”. 
• “Medio Elefante”. 
• “La mosca”. 
• “Ernesto el león hambriento”. 
• “La pequeña Wu-li” (Lazarillo Award). 
• “El pirata valiente” (National Illustration Award). 
• “Uña y carne” (Apelles Mestres Award). 
• “Pip i el color” (Pomme d’Or de Bratislava). 
• “Un cabello azul” (Espasa Calpe). 

Don’t forget that you can find many of Gusti’s works in the Helmet libraries, along with other books where he has contributed as an illustrator. 

You can follow his work on Instagram (@gusti.rosemffet), Facebook (@gusti.rosemffet), and X (@gustillimpli). #gustillimpi 

Don’t miss the activities that Gusti will facilitate at Kolibrí Festivaali 2025. 

Full program available from 13.8.2025. 

Gusti’s participation in Kolibrí Festivaali is thanks to the collaboration of the Dirección General del Libro, del Cómic y de la Lectura of the Ministerio de Cultura y Deportes of Spain.