Simon Hanselmann's Unique Comic Art Captivates Royalty at Madrid Book Fair
Simon Hanselmann's comic 'Hechizo total' intrigues Queen Letizia at the Madrid Book Fair, highlighting the artist's unique blend of humor and existential themes
Key Points
- 1Queen Letizia bought Simon Hanselmann's comic at the Madrid Book Fair
- 2Hanselmann's work is influenced by his challenging upbringing in Tasmania
- 3He uses cross-dressing as a form of artistic expression and escapism
- 4His comics explore dark humor and existential themes
- 5Hanselmann's storytelling style challenges traditional notions of happiness in art
At the 2016 Madrid Book Fair, Queen Letizia of Spain surprised attendees by purchasing a copy of 'Hechizo total,' a comic by Simon Hanselmann. Known for his unconventional storytelling, Hanselmann's work features the adventures of Megg, Mogg, and Owl, characters who navigate a world filled with drugs and existential musings. The Queen's interest in this countercultural piece has sparked curiosity about Hanselmann's unique artistic approach
Simon Hanselmann, born in Launceston, Tasmania, has had a challenging upbringing that deeply influences his work. Growing up in a post-industrial town with a heroin-addicted mother and an absent father, Hanselmann faced significant adversity, including severe bullying. Despite these hardships, he has managed to channel his experiences into his art, creating comics that resonate with a global audience and are translated into over twelve languages
Hanselmann's personal life and artistic persona often blur, particularly with his penchant for cross-dressing as his character Megg. He embraces this aspect of his identity, seeing it as a way to engage with audiences and provoke thought. Hanselmann acknowledges that his interest in cross-dressing is a form of escapism, helping him cope with stress and personal challenges
The themes in Hanselmann's comics reflect a darkly humorous view of life, avoiding what he describes as the 'false happiness' of traditional art. His characters, while often engaging in self-destructive behavior, offer a satirical take on friendship and societal norms. Hanselmann draws inspiration from the absurdity of everyday life, using his work to explore the complexities of human relationships and the inevitability of suffering
Hanselmann's approach to storytelling has been compared to a mix of Peter Bagge's irreverence and the satirical edge of 'The Simpsons.' His comics, while humorous, often leave readers with a sense of discomfort, challenging them to reflect on their own lives. Hanselmann's refusal to create 'happy art' underscores his commitment to authenticity and his belief that art should mirror the harsh realities of existence