Tuesday, June 23, 2009

MoCCA Treasure: Sofia Falkenhem's Fågelhjärta


So I originally intended to do a full write up on MoCCA Fest but I got distracted and now enough time has past that it seems unnecessary. However, I do want to throw up a quick post about my surprise favorite score of the show.

Swedish comics creator and illustrated Sofia Flakenhem is a new name to me. We were drawn to her table by a gorgeous postcard and on a delighted by the wonderfully crafted items there we also purchased a neat three fold comic that was tied in a handsome ribbon and gorgeous little mini-comic titled Fågelhjärta (which i believe translates to Big Heart). As you can see the postcard is gorgeous and the dark anthropomorphic three fold has a wonderful manga by way of Europe feel that really resonates for a piece so short. Conveying an atmosphere of unease and melancholy instantly, It leaves you seriously primed for more.

But it was the wordless mini Fågelhjärta that really blew me away. The seemingly simple story of a little girl who lives with a family of foxes is in the wood, it feels like a piece of folklore, and may well be. It appears to be a thematic continuation of two short comics on her website, Fox Spirit and Walk in The Woods but takes takes the story and imagery to the next level. The pacing, touch of macabre storytelling, and perfect use of thick black lines on an un-blemished white work to create an enchanting and mysterious tale. The silent presentation coupled with the stark pallet perfectly captures the sensation of being lost int he wood and the young foxes are endearingly adorable in the way that only illustrated critters that disarm while piquing ones suspicion can.

Now i just need to see if i can track down some more of this woman's amazing work. I'll report back on my finds.

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