The short film Studio Visit with Asaf Hanuka is available to watch at the top of the page.
Embracing vulnerability over perfection, renowned comics artist and illustrator Asaf Hanuka chooses to explore the more intimate aspects of human life. In January 2010, he began The Realist, a profoundly personal comic series published in the Israeli business magazine Calcalist. This weekly column unveils the trivialities of daily life that paradoxically, in their insignificance, shape our existence. Building on the success of The Realist, he later created a sequel in Calcalist titled The Arab Jew, further showcasing his ability to weave meaningful narratives around complex identities. Hanuka’s relatable narrative and illustrations provide fresh insight into human frailty, encouraging empathy in unexpected ways. His poignant, authentic portrayal in these works has earned him considerable accolades, including a Gold medal from the Society of Illustrators. The Realist comics series was eventually compiled into two collections and translated into six languages, amplifying its influence.
Hanuka’s talent extends beyond his individual work; his collaborations are a testament to his versatility and creative synergy. Teaming up with acclaimed Israeli writer Etgar Keret in 1997, they brought to life Streets of Rage, a collection of illustrated stories. The partnership flourished, and they produced”Pizzeria Kamikaze, a piece that secured an Eisner award nomination in 2007 and was translated into several languages.
In 2004, Hanuka demonstrated his cross-cultural prowess by collaborating with French writer Didier Daeninckx on”Carton Jaune!, a publication released in France. In 2021, he partnered with Italian writer Roberto Saviano on a graphic novel, I’m Still Alive, showcasing his commitment to engaging with diverse voices and perspectives. Further, he has crafted groundbreaking comic book series with his twin brother Tomer Hanuka. Their joint ventures include the Ignatz award-nominated Bipolar, The Dirties, a short online narrative, and The Divine, a graphic fiction piece co-authored by Boaz Lavie.
Adding to his varied portfolio, Hanuka has also ventured into the cinematic realm. His artwork was notably featured in the Oscar-nominated war documentary animation film “Waltz with Bashir.” Asaf Hanuka continues to challenge norms, inspiring empathy through his candid exploration of humanity’s complex, imperfect nature.
The featured video Studio Visit with Asaf Hanuk is part of the web series Yotsrim by Shachaf Dekel. Yotsrim includes five seasons and 73 episodes. The series won the Best Documentary award at the NYC Web Fest in 2019.
