His book entitled “drüben!” [“over there!”] which also formed his diploma project received accolades from press and public alike and was also awarded the ICOM Independent Comic Prize in the category “outstanding scenario” in 2010 and nominated the same year for the German Youth Literature Prize. Schwartz was awarded the Max and Moritz Prize 2012 for his graphic novel “Packeis” [Pack Ice] in the category of the best German-language comic. The book tells the story of the largely unknown but true story of the polar explorer Matthew Henson who was the first person to reach the North Pole in 1909 in the team led by Robert E. Peary. Even though Matthew Henson was adopted into the mythical world of the Inuit as the man who defeated the devil, he was never able to benefit from his well-deserved fame – he was an Afro-American. The book relates the story of the pioneer spirit, failure and subsequent disappearance into oblivion of this great figure. Simon Schwartz’s third book “Vita Obscura” was published in March this year. His comic-strips and illustrations appear regularly in German newspapers and magazines including the Frankfurter Allgemeine Sonntagszeitung, Der Freitag, GEOlino and Die Zeit. Schwartz will hold a one-week creative workshop for young people at the Academy of Play during the KunstFestSpiele Herrenhausen 2014.
The book-reading will be focused on “Packeis” with a presentation of illustrations and research material and an outline of the work process.
After the event, a book-signing session will take place with Simon Schwartz. The bookshop DECIUS will be exhibiting a book table.
DURATION ca. 60 minutes