Whispers of the Community – Storytelling on Flags

During a month-long residency in České Budějovice, Sophia Nicklas made 7 flags onto which she transferred her impressions and feelings from her stay. For the illustrator this was a new challenge — it was the first time she had worked with appliqué. The technique led her to choose a simple form of expression through images and symbols that are sewn on and legible to every viewer.

“Whispers of the Community — Storytelling on Flags” explores the urban identity of České Budějovice through individually illustrated flags placed in public places. Inspired by comic panels, each flag shows scenes from a dialogue with residents and captures the city's life today. The project brings art together with urban space and encourages viewers to discover new perspectives on their city and its nature.

Sophie is an interdisciplinary artist, illustrator and comics author. Her work moves between contemporary drawing, experimental comics and mixed-media storytelling, and often reflects feminist themes and human relationships. She studied at the Kunsthochschule in Kassel and at the LUCA School of Arts in Brussels.

The artist residency took place in cooperation with the CreArt Network and Budějovice 2028 — European Capital of Culture 2028.