Juliana Hyrri, a prominent Finnish comic artist, recently gained recognition for her work, particularly her piece 'Lellikki,' which has been nominated for the Sarjakuva-Finlandia award. Hyrri's journey is marked by a 12-year period of statelessness, during which she grappled with feelings of alienation and belonging. She openly shares her experiences of feeling like an outsider as a child, having moved from Estonia to Finland at the age of four. These personal narratives strongly resonate within her artistic expressions and themes.

The story of 'Lellikki' delves into the complexities of childhood life, illustrating the contradictions and often violent elements that children face through a skillful interplay of imagery and text. Hyrri's protagonist wrestles with the need for acceptance from teachers and classmates, even contemplating extreme actions to gain recognition. This dynamic captures the essence of childhood trauma and highlights the importance of visibility and acknowledgment in a child's world.

Hyrri's distinctive artistic style, characterized by absurdity and surreal observations of everyday life, sets her apart in the comic art scene. She showcases taboo themes related to Russian identity, shedding light on sensitive cultural narratives. Her exhibitions across Europe further cement her status as an influential artist in contemporary Finnish comic art, as she continues to draw from her personal history while challenging societal norms and expectations through her work.