CREATIVES TO WATCH: Illustrator Lidia Branković releases 'Circus of Shadows,' her new picture book with Hatje Cantz – Interview on GoSee
'The Grand Hotel of Feelings' was a great success last year, helping children aged 4 and up to better understand the complex world of emotions. The young illustrator Lidia Branković won the hearts of readers worldwide with her debut – the picture book became a bestseller and was reprinted several times. Now, she continues her journey into the world of picture books and takes us into the mysterious 'Zirkus der Schatten', bringing hidden aspects of our inner world into the light. This new work is also published by Hatje Cantz.
In 'Zirkus der Schatten', little Lika encounters her shadow, which suddenly begins to behave strangely. Initially, she ignores it, but as it grows bigger, she must face it. On her journey, she learns that the shadow contains not only darkness but also light. The imaginative illustrations and the profound story appeal to both children and adults, encouraging reflection on the acceptance of our own 'shadow sides.'
We introduce the illustrator to you on GoSee.
What inspired you to create 'Zirkus der Schatten,' and what does the theme of "shadows" mean to you personally? Lidia: My own experiences are my biggest source of inspiration. The theme of shadows played a significant role in my life when I was thinking about what story to tell next. For me, shadows symbolize all those aspects of ourselves that we’d rather not look at—whether it's out of fear, shame, or simply because we’ve never taken the time to confront them.
In contrast to 'Grandhotel der Gefühle,' which deals heavily with emotions, 'Zirkus der Schatten' focuses on confronting the "dark" aspects of ourselves. What message would you like to convey to readers about dealing with these shadow sides? Lidia: With 'Zirkus der Schatten,' I want to show that we shouldn’t push our “dark” sides away because they’re just as much a part of us as our “good” sides. Only when we accept ourselves as a whole—with all our shadows—can we truly be balanced and happy. It sounds like I’ve mastered this, but that’s not the case. My books serve as a reminder of how I want to live. Sometimes I manage it, sometimes I forget.
The characters in your books have a unique appeal. What’s the secret behind creating these figures that fascinate both children and adults? Lidia: Whether there’s a secret, I don’t know. I simply paint what I would like to see myself. I have very clear images and moods in my head that guide me.
What can children and adults learn from 'Zirkus der Schatten,' and how should this book encourage reflection on our inner selves? Lidia: I hope that Lika’s journey into the shadow circus will inspire readers to confront their own dark sides. And not just treat themselves with more compassion, but also others. Because everyone has shadows that sometimes loudly demand attention.
How did you manage to visualize the magical world of shadows? Lidia: My creative process usually begins with feelings and colors. From there, the world gradually develops, and in the end, the characters come to life. The most important thing is to create a clear, cohesive world. Once I achieve that, the characters come on their own.
In February, Lidia Branković will transform the window display of the Krumulus bookstore in Berlin into a circus stage, featuring illuminated shadow figures that invite wonder. The opening event will take place on February 22, 2025, with a special picture film reading and a signing event in a circus atmosphere.
About Lidia Branković
Lidia Branković is an artist, illustrator, and author from Berlin. Growing up in Kreuzberg with Serbian roots, she was exposed to various cultures and perspectives from an early age. Today, she enjoys translating her inner worlds into images and stories. She studied Communication Design at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam and began her career as an illustrator and picture book artist after completing her master’s degree in 2022. Her debut book 'The Grand Hotel of Feelings' was published as part of her master's thesis and is now available in several languages. Lidia works not only on picture books but also on editorial and commercial illustration projects.
Book Information
'Zirkus der Schatten' by Lidia Branković
Hatje Cantz, 2025, 36 pages, hardcover, 21.60 x 30.20 cm
ISBN 978-3-7757-5876-5
Reading with the Author
February 22, 16:30
Krumulus, Südstern 4, 10961 Berlin
CREDITS
Illustration Lidia Branković
Publisher Hatje Cantz Verlag
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