DECEMBER 2, 2015
10 African Illustrators
You Should Know
BY NADIA DARWESH
Illustrators have the monumental ability to change the attitudes, viewpoints, and mindsets of those touched by their work. Below are 10 such artists representing the African perspective, both on the continent and outside. You never know, one of them just might be the source of some much needed illumination.
Kenya-born, Los Angeles-based Monica Obaga uses her illustrations to tell whimsical stories. Her generous use of color emphasizes the vibrancy of her personality even more, and the beautiful women she draws almost always make you think Obaga could be among your crew of stylish BFF. With generous splashes of primary colors as well as the oranges, browns, and of course black hues favored in the continent; she will make your eyes sparkle and your heart sing with each post. Follow her on Instagram: @monicaobaga.
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This Congolese-French illustrator based in Paris knows a thing or two about glitz and glamour, specifically when it comes to her drawings of groovy cosmopolitan black women. They know how to dress, and they certainly know how to impress what with their fabulous hair, thrilling weekend jaunts in the city with girlfriends, and lazy weekday moments spent sipping lattes in chic cafes, away from the exciting hassles that come with being accomplished career women. With Nicholle’s work, not only do you feel enchanted staring at her drawings, but you also feel excited to explore more of what’s out there on the path to becoming the most beautiful, successful, and well-rounded woman you can be. Follow her on Instagram: @Nikisgroove.
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The Kenyan-based artist cites the city of Nairobi as his inspiration, and one look at his work makes this evident. Using his trademark style of wide innocent eyes and exaggerated body parts, Michael Soi’s illustrations put out poignant commentary on a wide array of issues ranging from the big ones such as politics and religion, to sexuality, alcoholism, prostitution, the effects of foreigners in local Kenyan society, among others. While some may consider his work risqué, sometimes even bordering on completely indecent, you have to admit that on the whole it speaks to a greater purpose. Check out his facebook page for more of his satirical artwork. Be warned: you may laugh out loud at first before falling into quiet contemplation.
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Born in Cremona of Jamaican-African origins, this now Berlin-based artist plays with black-and-white minimalist tones as well as contrasting textures to come up with beautiful and insightful pieces on the essence of duality and femininity. She also creates clothing based on the same aesthetic that would undoubtedly fit in at any fashion week in whatever part of the world. Follow her work here.
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A Kenyan-based illustrator; Musa Omusi knows just how to pep up your instagram feed. Whether it is challenging you through his minimalist works that play on the dualities of white and black, or changing it up with his realistic representations of famous personalities such as Iris Apfel and Adele, he always keeps it real with the message he is putting out. Be that love, world peace, self-acceptance, or simple admiration: you’ll be curious to know what comes next in his promising artistic future. Follow him on Instagram: @musaomusi.
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This South African graphic designer and illustrator is on his way to becoming a big deal not only in South Africa, but in the entire African continent. Apart from being named as one of Mail and Guardian’s 200 Young South Africans 2015, David has also worked with huge brands such as BBM South Africa, Adidas, and Cadbury. His creed? “I use design as a tool to paint a fun visual narrative that tells the stories of our times.” Follow him on Instagram: @slaying.goliath.
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South African Thandiwe Tshabalala’s work speaks on what it is to be black, a woman, and a feminist. However, that is grossly generalizing her talents. At a first glance, she can do it all, and it becomes even more apparent the more you delve into her work. Punctuating her illustrations with her own deep commentary, sometimes humorous, most of the time incredibly insightful; Thandiwe is unafraid to touch on any subject be it black/white relations in South Africa, the politics of Nelson Mandela, cultural appropriation across the black spectrum, and the power of Beyoncé. Follow her on Tumblr.
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The Ghanaian fashion illustrator’s art pieces are as gorgeous as they come. The women he sketches give off the impression of being as tall and tapered as giraffes and as graceful as gazelles; the gowns they model jump off the screen like a dream. Although he rarely if ever ventures into the abstract: Steve French doles out inspiration on the regular, somehow managing through his delicate works to affirm that clothes or no, black will always be beautiful. Follow him on Instagram: @steviefrenchie.
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Another fashion illustrator, this Nigerian artist knows how to use bold colours to brighten up any room, or feed. Whether her sketches are showing off what it means to be urban chic or traditional elegant, all of them are a sure bet for when you need that little bit of sartorial inspiration to get you going. Follow her on instagram @illustrationbyadesola, or better yet, request your own fabulous custom illustration over on her Etsy shop here.
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The Zimbabwean artist created her “Sibhale” poster series as a tribute to phenomenal African women. Depicting the likes of Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Lupita Nyong’o and Miriam Makeba among others in all of their regal glory; this illustrator seeks through her art to change the thought processes of African girls when it comes to seeing themselves portrayed on the media. Giving more credence to her cause, her Tumblr is a dream both with the words and imagery. Check it out here.
Shout-out to Andrea Pippins, Kadir Nelson, Kat Blaque, and so many more Amazing African-American illustrators we love.
>via: http://afripopmag.com/2015/12/02/10-african-illustrators-you-should-know/