Bishakh Som is a cartoonist and graphic novelist seeking to expand the vocabulary of the narratives traditionally presented in the comics medium by exploring themes of gender, trans identity, sexuality, memory, and urbanism, among other things. A formally trained architect, her work investigates the intersection between image and text, figure and architecture, architecture and landscape. 

Som has produced two graphic novels, both published in 2020: Apsara Engine, a collection of eight short stories, published by The Feminist Press, and Spellbound, a graphic memoir published by Street Noise Books. She has also contributed to the New Yorker, We’re Still Here (The first all-trans comics anthology), Beyond, vol. 2, The Strumpet, The Boston Review, and more. She received the prestigious Xeric Grant in 2003 for her first collection of self-published stories, Angel.

Som will read from her work and be interviewed by Chair of MFA Comics and fellow cartoonist Justin Hall, followed by a short reception. 

7-8:30pm – a reading and a conversation with Justin Hall

Timken Auditorium, 1111 8th Street [View map]

8:30-10pm – a reception and signing

195 DeHaro Street [View map]