Nask Studio designed the art book STATE FICTION: The Gaze of the Swiss Neutral Mission in the Korean Demilitarized Zone for Swiss artist Denise Bertschi. Edited by Joerg Bader and published by Editions Centre de la Photographie Genève, the book was printed by Musumeci Atelier and awarded the Swiss Most Beautiful Books prize in 2022 for its outstanding design.
STATE FICTION critically examines the construction of Swiss “neutral” national identity, focusing on the Swiss military mission in the Korean DMZ from the 1950s to the 1980s. Through a curated selection of photographic and cinematographic materials produced by the mission, the book explores how imagery shapes perceptions of neutrality and statehood. Essays by Heonik Kwon, Hans-Ulrich Jost, and Denise Bertschi provide historical and analytical perspectives, enriching the dialogue between image, ideology, and diplomacy.
The design approach emphasizes a precise and structured layout, seamlessly integrating archival materials with critical texts to create an immersive reading experience. By balancing clarity, accessibility, and visual storytelling, Nask Studio ensures that STATE FICTION is not just an archival document but a compelling visual and intellectual exploration of state narratives and their constructed fictions.
