Giovanni’s Room—A Graphic Remiagining
This project is a visual reinterpretation of James Baldwin’s Giovanni’s Room, adapted into a non-linear graphic novel that explores themes of intimacy, fear, shame, and identity. Rather than presenting a straightforward narrative, the work fragments Baldwin’s text into dreamlike sequences, using visual metaphor and atmospheric shifts to express the psychological depth of the characters. Drawing inspiration from filmmakers like David Lynch and Charlie Kaufman, the story unfolds through surreal, symbolic imagery—rooms become emotional landscapes, voids and holes echo states of isolation, and visual repetition underscores inner turmoil. The illustration style shifts between minimalistic line work and densely textured environments to reflect emotional transitions and inner conflict. This adaptation is not just a retelling, but a personal dialogue with Baldwin’s themes, using the language of comics to explore what cannot be said directly—emotional paralysis, suppressed desire, and the haunting weight of guilt. This is an ongoing project.