A masterclass in comic art drew an enthusiastic response from aspiring Emirati graphic novelists at the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair.
German comics writer Sascha Hommer worked with 10 illustrators to improve their drawing styles, techniques and the presentation of story ideas in the comic-strip format.
The sessions were part of the fourth edition of the Books – Made in UAE initiative, organised with the UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY) and the Goethe Institut Gulf Regions.
“This year’s edition of the Books – Made in UAE project is both unique and valuable, as the workshop’s focus is on art rather than writing,” said UAEBBY president Marwa Al Aqroubi. “Often, Emirati children are unable to relate to the characters in book illustrations, so this workshop will help local authors produce art that youth in the region will find familiar.
“The comic workshop’s participants are enjoying learning new skills and sharing ideas with one another, while also discovering new elements of their personalities and recalling aspects of their lives they feel local teenagers will be able to relate to,” she said.
“Sascha Hommer is a talented artist and is thoroughly preparing these illustrators with the tools and confidence necessary to succeed in their careers.”
After participating in the masterclass, the 10 participants displayed their work at the book fair’s Illustrator’s Corner on Friday.
Since the launch of the first edition of Books – Made in UAE in 2012, young Emiratis have worked with prominent German literary figures, including science-fiction writer Rainer Wekwerth and young-adult fiction author Anja Tuckermann.
UAEBBY also used its stand at the book fair to promote the upcoming Arab Publishing Association Annual Conference, which will be held in Sharjah on November 2 and 3.
Under the theme of The Publishing Industry: Horizons and Challenges of the Digital Age, the event will examine the latest trends and challenges affecting the regional publishing industry. The event precedes the Sharjah International Book Fair, which runs from November 4 to 14.
• For more details, visit www.uaebby.org.ae
