Nice to meet me. Comic and autobiography. Netherlands/Flanders
Graphic: Tecton
Temporary exhibition at the German Museum of Books and Writing at the German National Library
20 March 2024 to 5 January 2025
Once derided as a trashy medium for children not keen on reading, comics have long since become a kind of cultural heritage that can open up new "perspectives" on the issues and challenges of a complex world. The new exhibition by the German Museum Books and Writing, titled "Nice to meet me. Comic and autobiography", offers impressive testimony to the comic's potential. It features seven comic artists from the Netherlands and Flanders who turn the comic into a biographical narrative medium which reflects the burning questions of the present day as well as the highs and lows experienced in the life of each individual.
Eating disorders, burnout, divorce, climate crisis, war, first jobs, first loves or first struggles with depression: comics take us on a journey to ourselves. Using a sharp pencil and gaudy colours, with a twinkle in the eye, soft tones and a roll of drums, the comic artists not only give insights into themselves but also embed their experiences into graphic worlds that invite readers to reflect on their own lives.
"Nice to meet me", an exhibition dedicated to autobiographical comics from the Netherlands and Flanders, is the German National Library's contribution to the guest of honour concept for the Leipzig Book Fair of 2024. It features the seven artists Micky Dirkzwager, Ephameron, Maaike Hartjes, Bob Op ’t Land, Barbara Stok, Karolina Szejda and Judith Vanistendael. Their work builds on the strong tradition of comic drawing in the Netherlands and Flanders, a tradition that goes back more than one hundred years; at the same time, they break new ground and test the limits of this medium. Their alter egos upend long-standing comic traditions, not least by having their characters grow older.
Colourful metaphors and wild exaggerations are used to capture and share formative biographical experiences. And in true comic fashion, there is always a sequel. Under the motto "Nice to meet me", the exhibition invites the public to take up the pen themselves - because everyone is the hero of their own story: Who are you? Show yourselves!
The exhibition is a boisterous excursion into the rich Dutch and Flemish comic scene – and also builds a bridge to our north-western neighbours, whose cosmopolitan outlook has always been a guarantee of European cohesion.
The exhibition is curated by the Dutch author, photographer and lecturer Gert Jan Pos (Rotterdam). It will open as part of the 2024 Leipzig Book Fair, where Flanders and the Netherlands will be the guests of honour.
Information for your visit
Opening hours and admission
Tuesday to Sunday 10:00 to 18:00
Thursday 10:00 to 20:00
Public holidays 10:00 to 18:00 (except 24 to 26 December, 31 December and 1 January)
Closed on Mondays
Admission free
Guided tours
General and theme-based guided tours of our exhibitions are held on a regular basis.
To the events calendar
Group tours
You are also welchome to book group tours with us. Simply write us an e-mail:
dbsm-info@dnb.de
Accessibility
The exhibition has barrier-free access.
Address and getting here
German National Library
German Museum of Books and Writing
Deutscher Platz 1
04103 Leipzig
Getting here
We advise you to use public transport.
1 / By public transport
By rail
From the main railway station, take S-Bahn S1 in the direction of Riesa, S2 in the direction of Markkleeberg-Gaschwitz, S3 in the direction of Stötteritz or S5/S5X in the direction of Zwickau. Journey time approx. 7 minutes, get off at “Leipzig MDR”. Exit onto Semmelweisstraße, then turn right and continue for 400 m to the intersection at Straße des 18. Oktober.
Alternatively, take tram line 16 from platform 2 in front of the main railway station (in the direction of Lößnig) and get off at “Deutsche Nationalbibliothek”. Journey time approx. 11 minutes.
By air
From Leipzig/Halle airport, take S-Bahn S5/S5X in the direction of Zwickau. Journey time approx. 30 minutes, get off at “Leipzig MDR”. Exit onto Semmelweisstraße, then turn right and continue for 400 m to the intersection at Straße des 18. Oktober.
2 / By car
Approaching from the north
Take the A9 to the Schkeuditzer Kreuz intersection, continue on the A14 towards Dresden and take the Leipzig-Mitte (city centre) exit; continue on the B2 towards Leipzig city centre as far as the intersection at Prager Straße/Semmelweisstraße (follow the signs for “Deutsche Nationalbibliothek”).
Approaching from the south and east
Take the A9 or A14, change to the A38 and continue to the Leipzig-Süd exit; change to the B2 and continue to the Südvorstadt exit; turn right into Kurt-Eisner-Straße and continue to the German National Library.
3 / Accessibility
The German National Library in Leipzig has disabled parking spaces right in front of the building. The entrance for disabled visitors is signposted. The reading rooms and cafeteria are accessible by lift.
Last changes:
23.01.2024
