Divergent Readings and Synaesthesia in Olivia Sullivan’s Zines

Olivia Sullivan uses both nonlinear and linear arrangements of narration in her zines and thus abstractly connects to the concept of walking—not through the physical act of moving step by step but through the tactile experiences of nature, humans and objects. Her work disrupts traditional narrative forms by employing non sequitur frame transitions and fragmented assemblages. These elements do not strictly adhere to any chronological order; instead, they focus on layering various sensory and emotional experiences, thus requiring active reader engagement to construct the narrative. This approach transforms reading into an interactive process, mirroring the unpredictable nature of memory and perception. Through visual and textual synaesthesia, Sullivan enhances the immersive quality of her zines, inviting readers to engage with abstract and metaphorical representations of space and time. The chapter discusses how these narrative structures facilitate complex reader engagement, compelling them to navigate through a narrative that blurs the boundaries between the real and the imagined.