Illustrations for "1984": 5 Secrets from Leonid Bershidsky

Contents:

• Decorations as a key element of visual perception
• Propaganda collage: connecting stories
• A monochrome world in a new translation of the novel

Decorations as a Key Element of Visual Perception

Alpina Publisher recently released a new translation of George Orwell's famous novel "1984". Previously, there were translations by such famous authors as Viktor Golyshev and Dmitry Shepelev, who have already gained popularity among readers. The new translation was written by Leonid Bershidsky, a seasoned journalist and columnist for Bloomberg, and the former editor-in-chief of Slon.ru and Forbes Ukraine. This translation promises to offer a fresh take on the classic work, while maintaining the relevance of Orwell's themes and style in a modern context.

The idea to create an illustrated edition came from Marina Krasavina, Deputy Editor-in-Chief. Art Director Yuriy Buga was initially cautious about the proposal, but he did not reject it. This collaboration opens new opportunities for enhancing the visual perception of the content and attracting readers.

During our conversation, I had no desire to illustrate Orwell's works. However, after the discussion, I began to wonder: "What if...?" However, visualizing the plot didn't seem like the right solution, and I decided to abandon the idea. These reflections highlight the complexity of interpreting literary works and the importance of preserving their original meaning.

Yuri developed a design concept that emphasizes the atmosphere and settings in which the characters' lives unfold. These settings, reflecting the characters' everyday lives, create space for the reader's imagination, allowing them to shape their own images without being limited by ready-made visual solutions. This approach fosters a deeper understanding of the plot and allows each reader to create a unique interpretation of the world of the work.

Yuri turned to Pinterest for inspiration, where he created a collection of propaganda posters spanning various countries and historical eras. He carefully collected all his finds on a separate board.

When Yuri first voiced his idea, it seemed very attractive to me. He presented several posters and briefly described how we plan to illustrate the novel "1984" using propaganda posters from various countries and historical periods, illustrator Olga Khaletskaya shares her impressions. This approach will allow us to create a unique visual interpretation of the work, focusing on the themes of manipulation and control that remain relevant in modern society.

Propaganda Collage: Connecting Stories

George Orwell's novel "1984" is an iconic work of dystopian literature, set in the fictional state of Oceania. To create a visual collage that would illustrate this dystopian world, using real posters from various countries is not suitable. Instead, working with a collage allows us to demonstrate the universality of propaganda, not limited by geography or time. This approach emphasizes the relevance of the novel's theme and its significance in modern conditions, when the manipulation of public opinion is becoming increasingly widespread.

The topic of propaganda posters is currently of considerable interest and is actively studied. Extensive archives contain a wealth of materials, which makes it possible to create unique collages. The most challenging stage of this process is selecting the appropriate fragments for the work. The correct choice of elements not only enriches visual perception but also enhances the semantic content of the collage. Research into the historical context and artistic techniques helps to better understand the influence of propaganda posters on public opinion and cultural trends.

When creating the collages, Olga Khaletskaya was guided by a pre-prepared list of topics that required coverage. This list included key aspects such as militarism, food security, childhood, the public, and political regimes. For her work, she carefully researched poster archives from Great Britain, the USSR, the USA, Germany, China, and North Korea. In most cases, elements from three or four different posters were used to form a single collage, which allowed for the creation of multi-layered and expressive compositions. Olga noted that working on the illustrations for "1984" required a new approach. Unlike the usual process, where sketches and concepts are created at the initial stage, in this case, the main emphasis was placed on in-depth research and understanding of the historical contexts of various countries and eras. This allowed her to create more expressive and relevant illustrations that reflect the essence of the work. Olga Khaletskaya is a talented illustrator known for her unique works in the field of visual art. Her art inspires many people, combining originality and professionalism. Olga creates vibrant illustrations for books, magazines, and advertising materials, making her a sought-after artist among publishers and advertising agencies. Her style is distinguished by vibrant colors and expressive forms, allowing her to convey emotions and ideas through imagery. Olga is actively working on new projects, constantly developing her skills and experimenting with various techniques.

In the traditional illustration process, preliminary sketches are usually approved, but the work on the collages for this book was more spontaneous. This is because the final result is difficult to predict when creating a collage, often leading to unexpected findings and discoveries. Olga emphasized the research aspect, collecting found images in folders and combining them. She carefully selected complementary elements, connecting the illustrations with the text, enriching the visual experience of the book. This approach not only allows you to create unique collages, but also makes the creative process more exciting and unpredictable.

Olga initially planned to enrich her collages with statements reflecting the plot. However, the project curator, Yuri, suggested using only real historical slogans. All the poster captions were taken from authentic propaganda materials, sometimes combining phrases from different sources. Olga noted that it was fascinating to observe how different countries, despite different styles of presentation, conveyed the same ideas. This approach not only enriched her work but also allowed her to better understand the cultural and historical contexts.

I have a poster from the UK and a poster from America, both in English. I use slogans from both, cropping and combining them, resulting in the same basic idea. Collaging slogans does not lead to absurdity; instead, it unites similar meanings that different countries express differently.

This approach to content creation helps maintain authenticity: it may not be obvious to the viewer that the posters have been recreated, and that the real events depicted on them never took place. This method allows us to effectively convey the atmosphere and visual style, creating a unique experience for the audience.

A monochrome world in a new translation of the novel

When When preparing a new translation of the classic novel "1984" at Alpina Publisher, emphasis was placed on a black-and-white aesthetic. Art director Yuriy Buga notes that color illustrations can distract readers from the main plot, while a monochrome palette helps create a deep and unique atmosphere, allowing readers to focus on the content of the work. This approach not only emphasizes the novel's dark and dystopian atmosphere but also helps readers better immerse themselves in the world created by George Orwell. Illustrator Olga Khaletskaya notes that working with black-and-white graphics does not represent a limitation, but rather a condition to which one can easily adapt. She emphasizes that the key aspect is attention to content and clarity of the image, which avoids excessive detail. The purity of form and simplicity of the black-and-white graphics convey profound meanings and emotions, making each work unique and expressive.

Some pages of the book have a completely black background, which harmoniously matches the concept of the cover and enhances the effect of immersion of the reader in the dark world of the novel. This visual design creates an atmosphere conducive to a deep perception of the plot and characters, allowing the reader to fully immerse themselves in the dark themes and emotions of the work.

Yuri Buga emphasizes that the only acceptable cover option was the one they chose. "If the editorial board had not approved it, I can't even imagine what I would have done, since I had no other ideas. The cover appeared in my mind instantly - this is exactly how I saw it," he shares. This story testifies to the importance of visual design and its influence on the perception of a work.

The cover depicts a dark wall made up of numbers against a white background. This contrast symbolizes hope and light in dark times.

Orwell creates an image of a world permeated with propaganda and dystopia, which is devoid of aesthetics. The characters' awareness, like rust, destroys the ordered system into which they are being forced. The shattered fragments of digital reality serve as a metaphor for this process, highlighting the gap between ideal and reality. Yuri Buga points out how these disrupted structures reflect internal conflicts and the loss of individuality under totalitarian control.

In the novel, an eye is depicted between the numbers "8" and "4" - a symbol of surveillance. In Boogie's interpretation, this eye becomes a symbol of fear that torments the characters and destroys their inner world. This fear permeates their actions and thoughts, creating an atmosphere of anxiety and oppression.

Additional details, such as fonts, have a significant impact on creating atmosphere. The main typeface, Iowan Old Style BT, is a classic book set, creating a sense of tradition and comfort. Quotes from the main character's diaries are set in YuHand One by Yuri Gordon, adding personality and emotional depth. The jagged font effectively conveys the characters' sense of anxiety and fear, heightening their sense of inner peace. The correct choice of fonts not only enriches the visual design, but also supports the overall concept of the work, which makes the text more expressive and memorable.

Yuri Buga emphasizes that his goal was to make the reader stop and read carefully Into diary entries. These entries are intended to be read slowly and thoughtfully, allowing for a deeper understanding of their content and emotional weight.

Preparing a new translation of the book was not only a creative challenge but also an interesting experiment for the publisher. Despite uncertain audience expectations, the book was released in a large print run and quickly gained popularity, leading to several reprints. This success confirms the importance of a high-quality translation and the ability to resonate with readers.

Yuri Buga emphasizes that during the project, the decision was made to limit the use of only two posters for each chapter, despite the numerous illustrations. He noted that the goal was not to turn the project into an art object, but, in his opinion, this is exactly what ultimately happened.

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