
SZABÓ IMOLA JULIANNA (BUDAPEST)
Writer, graphic designer, illustrator, intermedia artist
Her artistic career is defined by empathy, honesty, and concern for those on the margins of society. She processes her own difficult childhood and young adulthood experiences not with self-pity, but with creative power. In her books and visual art, she gives voice to those who are often considered mute, different, or worthless by society.
In her ten books so far, she writes about dysfunctional families, children of dependent parents, grief, damaged female roles, abusive relationships, disability and the possibility of second chances. Her book Exception is None deals with the experience of growing up with dependent parents; in her storybook about the life of Simona Kossak, she shows respect for nature and the importance of female role models in Central Europe. Her works have been translated into German, English and Slovenian.
She mentors young aspiring authors, runs an online, accessible literary workshop, and helps them create their first volumes as a book designer and illustrator. She brings contemporary literature and illustration to life in high school and library programs. In her play written for the MáSzínház, she connects the themes of otherness, freedom, and inclusion with humor and sensitivity. She regularly donates her fine art works to charitable causes.
With her creations and personal statements, she stands for acceptance, the open naming of physical and mental difficulties and the possibility of asking for help. She offers young artists not only professional knowledge, but also an accessible, safe community. In her art, social sensitivity is not a separate topic, but a basic creative position: she shows that the difficulties experienced do not eliminate a person's dignity, creative ability and responsibility for others.
For me, the most important thing in my job is – the candidate wrote
I had a very difficult childhood (homelessness, dysfunctional family, etc.), and it is very important for me to use this as a strength, not an excuse or a way out. To heal, give, create, sympathize and support others because of this. Developing young people's talents is also close to my heart because I would not be anywhere without those who helped me find my way back then, even with a single word. I try not to forget where I came from and to recycle the many good things I received. To transform the bad into creation. In my books, I want to give voice to those we know as mute. To talk about things that are usually kept silent about. All this with the tools of art. To remain a brave and good person at all times, no matter how difficult it is and no matter how much sacrifice it involves in today's world. I want to give hope with my simple and simple life, in which there is no luxury, but more honesty and acceptance. I would like to show children that nature and animals are wonderful creatures, that we are one with them, and that they should not be afraid to join them. I also believe in second chances, and that the quality of life is not determined by the difficulties experienced. These difficult topics move me in my books. I am passionate about creating and saving animals. I cannot put into words how much joy this nomination brings me, thank you very much.
References
Podcast with Szilvia Krizsó about her life
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KbbEQVcNUgE
Népszava interview about childhood traumas
https://nepszava.hu/3323693_gyaszlova-az-elot-szabo-imola-juliannaval-az-elvestzt-gyerekkorrol
MáSzínház interview
https://www.prae.hu/article/14460-az-nem-lehet-hogy-az-ember-ne-valjon-azza-aminek-a-tobbiek-hiszik/
Career coverage
https://www.prae.hu/article/14725-szerelemprojekt-avagy-hogyan-gyogyulnak-be-sebeink/
Adenomyosis
HEG
https://nyitottakademia.hu/webshop/konyv/szabo-imola-julianna_heg-7725
FISZ Workshop
https://www.kulter.hu/2024/03/akadalymentesitett-jelenlet-muhely-interju/
Overgrown heart
https://litera.hu/irodalom/konyvajanlo/szabo-imola-julianna-kinott-sziv .
