Comic zine Mister Travchyk

The comic “Mister Travchyk” (from Ukrainian word “trava” meaning “grass”) opens up a space between personal myth and contemporary social contexts. The central character – naive, eccentric, but full of love for the world – appears as the artist's alter ego. Through him, I speak about feelings of otherness, vulnerability, care, and the search for and acceptance of oneself. The comic touches on the themes of nature, psychoactive experiences, and social reactions to the atypical and “unacceptable.” It brings to the forefront issues of marginalization, the right to alternative methods of healing, and the freedom to be oneself. An important theme is the reflection on Ukrainian drug policy and the potential of medical cannabis in treating psycho-emotional conditions exacerbated by war. The project combines an exhibition of original drawings, comic zine and a performative reading. By voicing the characters, I bring the comic into the realm of live action: the drawing acquires a voice, and the story unfolds as an intimate and emotional conversation with the viewer. Issue 2 of the comic zine ‘Mr. Travchik’. Printed by RISO. Paper: Munken linx 120 g. Format: A5, 16 pages. Colours: medium blue, yellow, black, bright red. Limited edition of 200 copies, each numbered and signed.