The short film Studio Visit with Keren Katz is available to watch at the top of the page.
Keren Katz is not merely an illustrator or comics artist; she is a creative disruptor who constantly challenges and redefines the boundaries of the traditional comics grid. Her distinctive characters, artistically disproportionate, serve as narrative compasses guiding the reader’s journey through the story via distinctive hand gestures and a diverse range of props.
Engaging with Katz is akin to stepping into one of her illustrations, as her own persona mirrors her artistic characters. Her childlike spirit and erupting naivety, elements that fuel her creativity, resonate throughout her work, topping in a truly immersive reading experience.
Her artistic reach extends beyond her individual work, as she forms an integral part of the creative community. Katz is actively involved with Gnat Micro Press, a nonprofit platform that champions experimental poetry and comics. She is also a member of the Pathos-Mathes Theater Group and the Humdrum Comics Collective based in Tel Aviv, further testifying to her diverse and multidimensional artistic prowess.
Katz’s graphic novel, The Academic Hour, is a testament to her groundbreaking work. Published by American Secret Acres, the book received the Best Printed Comic Book Award 2018 from Slate Magazine and the Emerging Talent Award at the Columbus Comics Festival 2018. Her artistic explorations continued with her second book, Behind the Scenes of a Dishwashing Network Program, which further pushed the boundaries of conventional comic narratives.
The accompanying video gives a deeper insight into Katz’s innovative approach to storytelling. She describes her process of deconstructing and reconstructing narratives, much like an architect dismantling a building to rebuild it with a fresh vision. Katz’s work is an exhilarating exploration of unlimited possibilities and gridless adventures.
The featured video Studio Visit with Keren Katz 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.