The Czech delegation consisted of Jindřich Janíček, Štěpánka Jislová, Mikuláš Podprocký, Marita Kelbl, Lucie Lučanská, Filip Raif, and Tereza Verecká. They presented their works to an international audience and offered fascinating insights into the diverse Czech comics scene.
A special highlight was the “A Sketchbook Workshop” led by Jindřich Janíček. Together with the participants, he explored the city from an artist’s perspective. Without a set route, they created spontaneous sketches along the way and discovered new perspectives on their surroundings. Janíček taught practical drawing techniques and encouraged the participants to sharpen their own creative perception.
At Rotopol Verlag’s now-traditional comic book reading on the festival’s Saturday, Anna Haifisch, Jindřich Janíček, Katharina Kulenkampff, Lucie Lučanská, and Linda Schwalbe presented their latest publications, personal favorite works, and current projects.
The panel discussion “Current Comics from the Czech Republic” also drew great interest. Jindřich Janíček, Štěpánka Jislová, and Mikuláš Podprocký provided insights into current developments in the Czech comics scene. They presented their latest works in German translation and discussed artistic influences, new themes, and changes within the industry.
For the festival’s youngest visitors, Lucie Lučanská offered the workshop “Sharpen Your Senses and Perception!” Children aged five to seven worked together on a long roll of paper to record what they had seen, heard, smelled, and tasted during the festival. The activity playfully encouraged creativity and attentiveness.
In addition, all Czech artists were available for book signings and took the opportunity to engage directly with their readers. The Erlangen Comic Salon thus provided a wonderful setting for bringing artists and the public into conversation and bringing contemporary comic art to life!
Photos: Mathias Voigt