OVERVIEW
In 2006, the ASEF launched Lingua Comica, an exchange programme for artists working with comics and graphic novels. Since then, three editions of Lingua Comica have been organised: in Singapore (2006), London (2007), and Kyoto (2008). Over 60 artists from different ASEM countries took part in these programmes and collaborated on projects. These collaborations paved the way for new concepts and developments. In 2009, the ASEF called on all Lingua Comica participants to propose collaborative follow-up projects for a spin-off programme: Lingua Comica Reloaded.
The objectives of Lingua Comica Reloaded were to:
– Build new relationships between Asians and Europeans in the field of comics, through a platform where common concerns and aspirations are brought together.
– Support emerging comic artists and practitioners in their learning and professional development.
– Stimulate the creation of new comics and graphic novels with an Asia-Europe dimension
– Strengthen the ASEF’s alumni network in the field of comics and graphic novels
In all, 26 project proposals were submitted and three outstanding ideaswere selected for Lingua Comica Reloaded. With the support of the ASEF, these projects have been completed and are in the process of being published:
1) “Numbers” by Titus Ackermann (Germany), Matei Branea (Romania), Budi Wijaya (Indonesia), and Tsuyoshi Owaga (Japan) ?“Numbers” compiles different stories based on abstract numbers on the theme “Economy and Society.” For more information, please visit reloadednumbers.blogspot.com.
2) “PLAY!” by Amélie Clément (France) and Rommel Joson (Philippines)”PLAY!” adopts the basic concept of children’s games as a metaphor for the boundaries between reality and imagination. For more information, please visit tiptoeoncircles.wordpress.com.
3) “Wires*” by Nele Brönner (Germany), Faezal Muniran (Malaysia), and PieR Gajewski (France)?”Wires*”focuses ontheimpact ofeconomiccrisesonsocietythroughthethree artists’ points of view. For more information please visit www.4wires.net.
4) “The Salmon of Knowledge”by Kim Dae-Joong (Korea) and Yves Cotinat (France)?”The Salmon of Knowledge”is an adapted comics tale from Indo-European mythology.
