In times of stress and uncertainty, finding solace in creativity can be a powerful tool. The creators of UNFINISHED, an alternative coloring book featuring works of real contemporary artists, “believe in the therapeutic potential of artistic expression, and we’ve taken a unique approach to bring this healing power to the forefront”.
We believe in the therapeutic potential of artistic expression, and we’ve taken a unique approach to bring this healing power to the forefront.
– Lilla Bényi, UNFINISHED
Introducing UNFINISHED – an alternative coloring book like no other. Coloring outside the lines with contemporary artists inspires freedom of expression.
Unlike traditional coloring books filled with predetermined outlines, UNFINISHED features unfinished sketches by real contemporary artists. These artists, including József Csató, Mónika Kárándi, Botond Keresztesi, Gábor Pintér, Zsófia Schwéger, and Dominika Trapp, graciously share their incomplete works of art, and with them, their reflections on balance, progress, success, and failure. Through their art, they also offer insights into navigating uncertainty, anxiety, and negative thoughts.
The concept of UNFINISHED came to life during the Budapest Design Week in October 2023, when it was first unveiled to the public. Spearheaded by Lilla Bényi, the project aims to provide a creative outlet for individuals seeking to maintain their mental well-being. By collaborating with esteemed contemporary artists, UNFINISHED offers a unique opportunity for self-expression and introspection.
We designed the publication to be as creative as possible, so you can complete your drawings with pencil, paint, but you can use the most miscellaneous variety of techniques. So the rest is up to you!
– Lilla Bényi, UNFINISHED
Each artist contributed unfinished sketches, inviting users to interpret and complete them using their preferred medium – whether it’s pencils, paints, markers, or any other creative tool. This encourages users to explore their own artistic instincts and unlock their imagination.
The design and layout of UNFINISHED were meticulously crafted by Dóra Venekei, while pedagogy and psychology expertise were provided by Eszter Varga, ensuring that the coloring book is not just visually stimulating but also psychologically beneficial.
An essential aspect of UNFINISHED was the choice of paper. To accommodate various artistic techniques, the team selected to utilize PERGRAPHICA® Natural Rough 150 g/m2, which offers excellent compatibility with various mediums. “An important factor in designing the publication was that you could finish the semi-finished drawings by any technique, so we wanted to choose a strong paper that allows the application of water techniques such as watercolor.” This thoughtful choice ensures that users can explore a wide range of artistic possibilities.
“We owe a huge thank you to the artists featured in the publication for their sketches, who not only gave us a glimpse into their studios, but also shared their personal thoughts. We are grateful to Zalán Péter Salát for his help in the process of making this publication a reality, and for his patience with all our simple or even unanswerable questions. We thank the Hungarian Startup University Program and the Moholy-Nagy University of Art and Design for their cooperative support, Gabriella Murai and Europapier for their generous support, and Attila Szigeti and EPC Nyomda for their contribution to the unique look of the publication. And last but not least, special thanks to our family and friends for their supportive conversations, helping us during the production of UNFINISHED”, Bényi concludes.
UNFINISHED is available in both English and Hungarian, and you can find it at various locations, including Kastner Kommunity, NOS, Rododendron Art&Design Shop, Szerkesztősèg, ISBN book+gallery Írók Boltja, Atlantisz Könyvsziget, Fiók, Hungarian National Gallery, Vasarely Museum Budapest, and Ludwig Museum Shop.
It’s time to start coloring outside the lines and embrace the therapeutic journey of UNFINISHED. Let your creativity flourish as you navigate through the captivating world of contemporary art.
Images © Dóra Venekei