Comic Workshop „Geschichte(n) in mir – einmal anders“

Impressions from the Comic Workshop "Stories Within Me – A Different Perspective" on November 23 and 24

On November 23 and 24, the Leo Baeck Institute – New York | Berlin, under the direction of Dr. Miriam Bistrovic, opened its doors for a special comic workshop. Organized as part of Amcha Germany's project "What Voice Do We Have?", coordinated by Dr. Svetlana Burmistr, the two-day workshop provided ten participants with an intensive and inspiring opportunity to creatively engage with transgenerational trauma.

Led by comic artist Nathalie Frank and psychiatrist and psychotherapist Dr. Martin Auerbach, participants explored how the complex impact of their ancestors' persecution stories could be expressed through images and words. The focus was not primarily on the trauma itself but on how families deal with the resulting experiences – and how the past continues to resonate in the present.

Day 1: Sharing and Taking First Steps into the Comic Medium
After a warm welcome by the organizers and a brief introduction to the topic of transgenerational trauma by Dr. Auerbach, participants shared their experiences. Questions like “What is passed down in families?” and “How can we address the past?” sparked deep and meaningful discussions.

Following this, Nathalie Frank introduced the group to the art of comic creation. She presented inspiring examples and explained how personal stories can be made tangible through visual storytelling. Initial exercises, such as blind portrait drawing and storyboard development, helped participants find a creative connection to their own thoughts and emotions while lightening the atmosphere.

Day 2: Creative Work and Final Reflections
The second day was dedicated to hands-on work. Participants continued developing their individual comics, from initial drafts to more detailed compositions. Meanwhile, Dr. Auerbach provided space for discussions and reflections, fostering a safe and supportive environment for engaging with the subject matter.

The workshop concluded with a small exhibition of the completed comics. Participants had the opportunity to showcase their works and, if they wished, share their stories with the group. This final moment was profoundly moving, illustrating the diversity of approaches and the depth of reflection, while also offering a space for shared experiences and mutual support.

The Experts: A Dialogue Between Art and Psychology
Nathalie Frank, a comic artist and cultural journalist, has lived and worked in Berlin since 2011. Her work focuses on the interplay of personal narratives and social history. Her recent publications include the comic “Where My Mother Didn’t Learn to Swim”, featured in the anthology “You’d Love to Tell Everyone So Much” (avant-verlag, 2023). She also co-founded the initiative “How Are You? Artists Against Antisemitism, Hate, and Racism” after October 7, 2023 (https://wiegehtesdir-comics.de/).

Dr. Martin Auerbach, a psychiatrist and psychotherapist, has worked in trauma therapy for decades and served as Clinical Director of Amcha Israel until 2024. His work focuses on the long-term effects of trauma and its impact on subsequent generations.

A Unique Experience
This workshop was more than just an art course – it became a space for connection, exchange, and healing. Participants experienced how creative processes can help express the unspeakable and foster a sense of community.

This workshop, made possible through the collaboration of Amcha and the Leo Baeck Institute – New York | Berlin, powerfully illustrates the importance of finding new ways to engage with the past. It leaves lasting impressions – on paper and in the hearts of its participants.

The project “What voice do we have?” is funded by the Foundation Remembrance, Responsibility and Future (EVZ) and the Federal Ministry of Finance (BMF) as part of the educational agenda on Nazi injustice.

The workshop fits into a broader series of events that focus on artistic reflection and memory culture. Related events include the panel “Drawing Memory” with Ari Richter and the JewCe 2024 Panels, which also explore creative forms of remembrance.

Additionally, our podcast episode on comic artist Lilly Renee Williams, Episode 13: The Life and Legacy of LillyRenee Williams, offers further insight into her experiences during the Holocaust and her artistic processing of those events.