Elena Graf is an outstanding Russian graphic artist (born in 1989 in Russia, lived and worked in Saint Petersburg for a long time—now lives and works in Marrakesh, Morocco) who stands out in the world of contemporary graphics. Her works are exceptional and distinguished by a unique mastery of technique, while the "dance of symbols and images" in her art captivates and inspires.

This year, she has released her new project, inviting us to explore the complex and vibrant genre of the Artist’s Book once again.

For centuries, the Artist’s Book—a fusion of fine art and literature—has stood as a unique medium for personal expression, blending visual storytelling with poetic narratives. However, in the modern digital era, this artistic form has gradually faded into obscurity. Elena Graf, an internationally recognized visual artist, has reignited interest in this forgotten tradition through her latest work, Fairytale About Lovers.

From 2017 to 2019, Elena dedicated herself to creating a collection of illustrated fairy tales for an adult audience, a project that merges classical storytelling with contemporary graphic art. More than just a book, this work represents an intimate exploration of love, destiny, and human connection, all told through a meticulously crafted blend of symbolic illustrations and poetic prose.

A Story Seven Years in the Making
The concept for Fairytale About Lovers was born in 2012, but it took Elena seven years to refine its deeply personal narrative. The book tells a timeless love story, where the protagonists, despite never meeting, remain bound by an invisible thread—an eternal connection that transcends time and space. The story follows their individual journeys of self-discovery, ultimately illustrating that love is not always about physical presence but about a spiritual and emotional bond that shapes one’s existence.

All the characters in the work are protagonists. Through her exceptional illustrations, the artist creates a unique world where we can see the personifications of Death, Angels, Elements, and Emotions.

The uniqueness of the project also lies in the fact that the book has no binding and no page numbering, which gives the reader immense freedom. As the author herself states, one can start reading from any point, thus creating their own sequence of events. It is as if Elena gives each of us the chance to become an artist ourselves, to create our own space and characters, drawing inspiration from the surrealism and symbolism of her flawlessly executed illustrations.

Reviving the Artist’s Book Tradition
Elena’s contribution to contemporary art and graphic design through this project lies in her revival of the Artist’s Book tradition. Historically, Artist’s Books were crafted by hand, often existing as limited-edition or one-of-a-kind pieces that blurred the lines between literature and fine art. They were not merely books but art objects, each page a standalone work of art that contributed to the greater narrative.

With Fairytale About Lovers, Elena breathes new life into this concept by creating a modern interpretation of the Artist’s Book, combining hand-drawn illustrations, poetic storytelling, and intricate visual symbolism. Her work challenges the conventional boundaries of both art and literature, presenting a multisensory experience that invites readers to not only read but visually engage with each page.

“I wanted to create something tangible, something that a person could hold in their hands and feel the emotions embedded in every stroke, every color, every word,” Elena explains. “In a time where everything is digital, I felt it was important to reconnect with the physicality of art—to make storytelling a visual experience once again.”

A Unique Approach to Graphic Art and Illustration
Elena’s distinctive approach to graphic design and illustration plays a crucial role in shaping the book’s atmosphere. Her illustrations are not mere accompaniments to the text but integral to the storytelling itself. Each image carries hidden meanings, metaphorical layers, and intricate details that deepen the reader’s connection to the story.

Her ability to seamlessly weave fine art techniques into contemporary graphic design sets Fairytale About Lovers apart from traditional illustrated books. The imagery ranges from delicate ink sketches to bold, surreal compositions, capturing the dreamlike, almost mystical essence of the narrative.

The Significance of Elena’s Work in Contemporary Art
Elena Graf’s dedication to reviving the Artist’s Book and redefining modern illustration techniques underscores her extraordinary contribution to the field of graphic art. Her work serves as a bridge between the past and the future, reminding us that storytelling is not confined to words—it is also a visual, emotional, and deeply personal experience.

By resurrecting an art form long thought to be disappearing, Elena is not only preserving a rich artistic tradition but also proving that true art knows no boundaries—neither of time nor of form. Her ability to create a narrative through both language and imagery cements her place as one of the most innovative visual storytellers of her generation.

As she continues to expand her artistic vision into international markets, Fairytale About Lovers stands as a testament to the enduring power of illustrated storytelling—a power that Elena Graf has masterfully harnessed to breathe life into an art form many had forgotten but none should ignore.