Comics Workshops
I was first introduced to comics workshops while interning for Positivenegatives, a nonprofit that makes comics to spread awareness of humanitarian issues, especially the issues faced by migrants.
We prototyped "Why comics?" lesson plans with schools, by guiding discussion around comics created by Positivenegatives about narratives drawn from life, and ending the workshop with an exercise that allowed each student to create a comic based off a personal narrative.
The next time I interacted with comics workshops was in Ranchi, India. I collaborated with a group of local Adivasi (indigenous Indian) rights activists, who were looking for more mediums that could make complex activist ideas accessible to others in their community.
On the first day, Bineet Mundu (a leader of his faction of the activist organization), facilitated a discussion with community members about different issues that they faced.
On the second day, I led a series of exercises in simple technical drawing skill (geared toward making comics.) In midday, I gave a presentation about different forms of illustration. For the rest of the day, the community members worked on comics about personal experiences and reflections relating to issues faced by the community.
The emphasis of the workshop was that it wasn't technical skill or medium that mattered, but local knowledge and voice. The experience was full of translation and learning, and I'm very grateful to the activists I collaborated with in Ranchi, and the amazing participants in this workshop.
A few examples of comics created by participants.
This comic emphasizes the way "development" initiatives are often forced on Adivasi communities by the government, though they may not be what the community asked for, or wants. Sometimes the community is punished for not being grateful, or displaced by development.
This comic emphasizes the way traditional music encourages collaboration in the community, while listening to contemporary music (headphones) often becomes a solitary act.
Thank you for taking a look at this project!
Please see more work at www.sabinakariat.com
