Melina Berndt

in the winter semester 2023/24, an illustration course by prof. samuel nyholm collaborated with kollit, the collective for young literature in bremen.

for koller#3, 17 new authors explored the literary theme of “kitsch”. the illustration students – myself included – were allowed to illustrate these literary works for the magazine.

i dealt with the text “gnomus” by janika rehak. a very emotional work for me. according to my interpretation, gnomus is a work of art that cannot perceive itself as such. it has dozens of unpleasant glances at itself that it can’t really comprehend. and is frightened as soon as it discovers itself in reflection. it hates what it sees. yet reality is quite different from gnomus’ perception.

so i grabbed my watercolors and illustrated the three most important points in the story for me: the unpleasant glances and the moment when gnomus discovers himself – in the disturbed perception and in reality.

i also took care of the design of a sticker sheet with cute and kitschy heart stickers and helped with the cover design. the lettering “kitsch” was done by me with oil pastels.

koller#3 is available for 7€

by order: order@kollit.de, plus 1,60 shipping costs

or at the Bookstore Storm