The year 2023 marked the beginning of my "Danish Islands" poster series. The first one was dedicated to Fanø, an island located off the southern coast of Jutland. Each poster requires about three months of work. Currently, I am finishing the second poster featuring Bornholm, which will soon be printed and available on the market.
But that's not all! There are more islands to come, although some details are still a secret. You can follow my adventures on Instagram: @kloerkonge_myldreplakater. The next island that will likely be on my itinerary is Samsø.
Choosing Bornholm as the theme for the second poster felt natural since the island attracts many tourists and potential customers. Bornholm is so beautiful that it's hard not to fall in love with the place. In the spring, I hiked with my girlfriend from Rønne to Gudhjem through Hammeren. The coastline was extraordinary! I drew inspiration from a trip I took in the autumn, circling the entire island with a few friends from Berlin.
After more than 15 years of living in Berlin, I returned to Copenhagen 18 months ago. You could say that the reason I came up with the idea of drawing posters featuring Danish islands and why this work fascinates me is related to my reintegration into Danish society! It gives me the opportunity to immerse myself in the Danish landscape, observe the fauna, learn about local architectural traditions, and much more. Although my drawing style is falsely naive, almost childlike, I enjoy highlighting precise regional details, whether it's the minimalist skeletons of wooden houses on Bornholm or the absence of crayfish in the waters surrounding the island.
Of course, I don't claim that my posters are entirely accurate - humor and vivid colors are key elements of my style. However, I like to incorporate certain local facts that are actually visible. Sometimes, though, it's better to hide them.
From June 21st to 25th, I plan to be on the island of Bornholm - this time on a bicycle - to promote my latest poster "Bornholm" in A2 format in local souvenir shops, bookstores, and other places. The poster should be available to regular customers by the end of June.
Sounds like a dream job, doesn't it? I wander, ride my bike, explore nature and the diverse cultures of the islands, and when I return home, I sit comfortably at my desk and draw on my iPad. And in the end, I set off to explore again, this time meeting people who might be interested in purchasing my final masterpiece.
Boris Boll-Johansen, author and illustrator, born in 1967 in Frederiksberg, currently resides and works in Copenhagen. He received his education at the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen. His work is a unique journey through Danish islands, captivating with color, humor, and local details. You can admire the artist's creations on Instagram at @kloerkonge_myldreplakater.
