Myriad Editions will publish Escaping War and Waves by award-winning reportage graphic artist Oliver Kugler soon, and if you’re in any way curious about the plight of refugees in the 21st century, you should buy this book.
Escaping War and Waves is a stunning collection of Olivier Kugler‘s compelling series of evocative drawings documenting the experiences of Syrian refugees he met in Iraqi Kurdistan, Greece, France, Germany, Switzerland and England, mostly on assignment for Médecins Sans Frontières.
Oliver is an incredible, thoughtful and talented artist who I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing at a previous Lakes International Comic Art Festival. I’m in awe of his work and dedication, to be frank – especially given the stories he’s telling through his work, which can at times be heart breaking – but also, life affirming.
Based on many interviews, and hundreds of reference photos, Oliver’s beautifully observed drawings of his interviewees bring to life their location – a room, a camp, on the road. His reporting of their stories is peppered with snatches of conversation and images of the objects that have become such a significant part of their lives.
He’s been commissioned by Médecins Sans Frontières and published in The Guardian, Port, Le Monde Diplomatique and many other publications. A portfolio, ‘Waiting State’, published in Harpers, portraying Syrians Kugler met in Iraqi Kurdistan, was the overall winner of the Association of Illustrators World Illustration Awards in 2015.
Oliver’s many awards also include overall winner of both the V&A Illustration Awards in 2011 and the AOI Gold Award in 2004 and 2008.
Drawings from Escaping Wars and Waves will be exhibited at The Print House Gallery, Hackney during Refugee Week (18th – 24th June 2018), and if you’re in London do try and get to see this. They’re stunning, in my view.
• Escaping War and Waves will be published on 5th July 2018 by Myriad Editions in partnership with Penn State University Press in North America. Work from the project will be exhibited at The Print House Gallery, 18 Ashwin St, Hackney, London E8 3DL during Refugee Week (18-24 June 2018)
• Olivier Kugler Official Site: olivierkugler.com
• Eye Magazine: Olivier Kugler – Bearing Witness
• We Make It Projects – Escaping War and Waves
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The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.
He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.
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