Licensed Chaos: Everyday Lapses of Gaspard and Lisa, a free bilingual exhibition featuring the two main characters from the French picture-book series, opened at Re:Re: Art Space in Shanghai's Xuhui district on Sept 12.
Created in 1999 by French writer Anne Gutman and illustrator Georg Hallensleben, the picture-book series follows Gaspard and Lisa as they turn everyday mishaps into playful adventures.
The exhibition presents original works and scenes adapted from their stories, with picture books available for visitors who want to learn more about the settings and storylines.
A video interview with the creators offers further context, while small illustrations tucked into corners at children's eye level add surprises for younger visitors. Exhibition labels, artwork descriptions, and visitor guides are available in both Chinese and English.
A centerpiece of the exhibition is Bubble Art (Shanghai), an original work by Hallensleben incorporating Shanghai's landmark skyline.
Anthony Hsieh, vice-president of Shanghai M&G Culture & Creative Co Ltd, which supported the exhibition, said the process of adapting the characters to local culture had developed into a two-way exchange. As Hsieh introduced Chinese imagery and draft concepts, Hallensleben also took an interest in Chinese culture, exploring motifs such as dragon and lion dances.
Zeng Linya, a student from Nanjing, Jiangsu province, traveled to Shanghai specifically for the exhibition. "What drew me to the stories was their respect for children's curiosity and spirit of exploration — qualities that can resonate with adults as well," she said.
Zeng said she frequently visited Shanghai for exhibitions and live performances because of the city's varied cultural offerings and convenient transportation.
Beyond its appeal to dedicated fans, Xu Tianyi, the exhibition's curator, said the gallery's location in a residential neighborhood and its free admission reflect a broader trend in Shanghai of bringing exhibitions into communities, allowing families with children, older residents, and passersby to engage with art and culture as part of their daily lives.
The exhibition is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm through Nov 8, including weekends and public holidays, with a Gaspard and Lisa-themed coffee-and-cake set available for purchase.
