ТОМАС БЕРНХАРД. ПОРТРЕТ ХУДОЖНИКА В КОМИКСАХ

Abstract

The article offers an analysis of graphic books based on the works of Thomas Bernhard (1931−1989), the classic of Austrian literature of the 20th century. The material for the study consists of graphic novels, graphic memoirs, and biographical books created by two Austrian artists − Nicholas Maler and Lucas Kummer. The techniques used by the creators in their work with the “hypotext” (G. Genette) − Bernhard's dramatic and narrative oeuvre: the play “The World-Fixer” (Der Weltverbesserer, 1978), the novel “Old Masters: A Comedy” (Alte Meister: Komödie, 1985), and the autobiographical novellas “An Indication of the Cause” (Die Ursache: Eine Andeutung, 1975), “The Cellar: An Escape” (Der Keller: Eine Entziehung, 1976), “Atem: Eine Entscheidung” (Breath: A Decision, 1978), and “In the Cold” (Die Kälte: Eine Isolation, 1981) – are analyzed. Special attention is paid to the methods of conveying the writer's poetics through artistic means, such as drawing techniques, color palette, panel composition, character stylization, and scenes. The selection of thematic complexes (theatricality and metatheatricality, the problem of truth and fiction, trauma, etc.) and the peculiarities of translating the writer's individual literary style (syntax, rhythm and rhetoric, etc.) are examined. The comparative analysis allows to identify similarities and differences in the ways of visualizing and interpreting the literary material, to reveal the diversity of visual solutions and approaches towards the artistic world of Thomas Bernhard. The research results enable a comprehensive understanding of the potential of comics as a means of conveying literary aesthetics and creating a unique visual space that complements and expands the textual dimension of literary works.