In 2026 I decided to make illustrations for the sjort story Without Language” (1895) by Vladimir Korolenko. It is a story about immigrants struggling in a foreign land, that resonated deeply with me due to the current relevance of its subject matter.
The story follows Matvei, a simple Ukrainian peasant who travels to America in search of a better life. However, once he arrives, he cannot speak English—making him effectively “without language.” Because of this, he becomes isolated, misunderstood, and often treated as a “stranger” or even a “savage.”As Matvei tries to survive, he faces confusion, exploitation, and cultural shock. His inability to communicate leads to dangerous misunderstandings, including conflicts with authorities.
