Jacobean comics

The article “Jacobean Comics (Xacobeo 2021)” presents the artistic project curated by José Tono Martínez and Pere Joan for the Xacobeo 2021, in which 16 comic artists and creators produce seven comics and eight posters that reinterpret the iconography, myths, and symbols of the Camino de Santiago in a contemporary light, inviting one to discover the route through new visual and cultural narratives.

Who has not awakened creatively during the Camino de Santiago? Those of you who have done so know that the Camino de Santiago awakens the senses and is a true source of inspiration for many people. In fact, the different landscapes of the Camino de Santiago have been the creative starting point for many artists, with numerous artistic manifestations associated.

But the Camino is not only a source of inspiration for those who define themselves as artists! Many people find inspiration or creativity for what they need by walking these paths. For their part, many others embark on doing things they had never thought of before, and often these have to do with some form of art.

Today we want to share with you the following artistic project carried out on the occasion of the Xacobeo 2021: Jacobean Comics. Take note that we are starting!

The Jacobean Comics project

José Tono Martínez and Pere Joan present us the project "Jacobean Comics", which they have developed on behalf of the Ministry of Culture and Sports for the celebration of Xacobeo 2021. Sixteen artists have participated in the project.

This project aims to renew and invigorate the Camino de Santiago with iconographies and images from our own time. We think it is a wonderful initiative! And what about you? The truth is that if we stop to think about it, the iconography of the Camino de Santiago has been the same since time immemorial… beware! This is not a bad thing, but it is very interesting that someone has the idea of associating contemporary iconography with this heritage.

Why do Jacobean Comics arise?

"If the Camino de Santiago is the mother of all journeys, Jacobean Comics is the invitation to a journey"

It arises with the intention of making the way known to people, even to those who have never considered it, from a different perspective. For example, many comics reinterpret myths, symbols, or legends of the way. In others, the artist simply offers a personal reinterpretation of their vision of the way.

The Comics and the Comic Artists

The project consists of 16 creators: comic artists, illustrators, screenwriters, writers… and each one contributes their artistic vision of the Camino de Santiago.

A total of 7 comics have been created, with illustrations and reflections that are truly wonderful. The ones we liked the most were those by Irati F.G. and Pere Joan. We invite you to visit the website, read them, and reflect. 8 super cool posters have also been created, such as those by Elena Ibáñez, Miguel Gallardo, or Miguelanxo Prado. All materials are available for free download, so you can get the posters you like the most to use as backgrounds for your mobile, computer, tablet… and there are also stickers for your mobile!

And which comic or poster did you like the most? We encourage you to become artists and capture your own interpretation of the way in an image, to remember it always. I’m not just talking about saving a photo! Surely after walking, you will have found enough motivation to create and keep a deep and beautiful memory of your journey.

¡Ultreia pilgrims!