The Sea of Daisies

By Juliana Hyrri

A story about growing up between cultures, about the search for a sense of belonging and the fear of rejection. The story is driven by the idea of a kind of reunion with childhood, a dialogue, perhaps even acceptance. We experience the world around us from the point of view of little Juljenka. Her family is on the verge of an unknown change. A spaceship takes little Juljenka to a new country where she must learn a new language, get used to new customs, and meet new people. What are a little one’s coping mechanisms in the face of larger-than-life issues?

Growing up between two cultures, how does a child adapt to meet her basic needs for acceptance and belonging—and how can she overcome the fear of abandonment? In The Sea of Daisies, Juliana Hyrri initiates a skilful dialogue with her childhood, where the child’s point of view takes first place.

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About the author

Juliana Hyrri (b. 1989) is an Estonian-born visual artist, painter, cartoonist and illustrator whose work explores the intricate relationship between language and expression. Blending visual storytelling with literary nuance, her graphic narratives often draw from autofiction, delving into themes of childhood, memory, and the complex tension between innocence and evil. In 2023 Hyrri was honoured with the State Prize by The National Council for Multidisciplinary Art, recognizing her impactful contributions to the Finnish contemporary comics and illustration scene.