Helsinki Comics Festival

Sat, 10.09.2022

16:15 Tiivistämö, Helsinki

Kaasutehtaankatu 1

How to realise a group comic compilation about body politics between Finnish and Berlin artists? At Helsinki Comics Festival Patu, El Boum, Warda Ahmed, Nam-Ke, and Maryam ”Mellu” Abuzaid-Ryu will discuss this topic.

El Boum and Warda Ahmed are experts in our project DRIN – Visions for Children’s Books, which brings together international authors, illustrators, librarians, and publishers to share knowledge and build networks of empowerment. It sets new standards for more diverse children’s literature in Europe.


EL BOUM is Jasmina El Bouamraoui, an illustrator and visual artist based in Berlin. Inspired by the citys unconventional spirit, queer asthetics and decolonial politics they create fun characters in eye-catching colors. EL BOUM is not drawn to the usual images seen in mainstream media, they rather invite the viewer to question stereotypes of all kinds while not losing their sense of empowering positivity and humor. Their work echoes with a wide range of international organizations, companies and brands and wants to encourage people to always be themselves regardless of what society thinks is acceptable.