Co-sponsored by European Studies and Madison Bikes.
Part of the Wisconsin RISE Initiative.
French artist and author Julia Bourdet is currently writing a graphic novel about her seven-month artistic residency in the United States, during which she crossed the Atlantic on a cargo ship and traveled from New York to San Francisco by bike and train. Initially conceived as a travel journal, her book gradually evolved into a deeper reflection on both personal and collective turning points.
This presentation offers a preview of her forthcoming book and weaves together journal fragments, documentary observations, and fictional storytelling to trace a personal journey toward ecological awareness.
By alternating between external events and introspection, she analyzes how personal narratives can resonate with broader concerns related to environmental concerns and possible transitions. Through this presentation, she aims to question the ability of drawn narratives to engage readers while fostering a broader reflection on travel imaginaries in the Anthropocene era. In keeping with her commitment to reducing her carbon footprint, Julia Bourdet will be joining us virtually from France to discuss her project and virtual mini documentary screening.
Julia Bourdet is a graduate of the École Estienne. After a career in advertising, which she quickly rejected for its values, she worked for the press (Fluide Glacial) and publishing (Stock). In 2022, she released her first graphic novel, adapted from a book by Didier Decoin, novelist, screenwriter, and president of the Goncourt Academy, “Le Bureau des Jardins et des Étangs”, which was selected for the ELLE readers’ comic book prize. She has designed numerous book covers and illustrations. Find out more about her work with the Villa Albertine Chicago and additional projects here.
This event is a part of Earth Fest. RSVP on the Madison Bikes facebook page for additional event updates!