Illustrating the Future We Want

Dana’s work shows a future where we can all breathe freely and enjoy the benefits of clean air, making use of vibrant colours to show her hope and positivity for a sustainable, equitable and inclusive world. Dana said: “I would like to see a different form of life in the city enjoying the same virtue of clean air. Cities where children run in the open air; where everyone welcomes the breeze of nature; where people understand how they are correlated and responsible for the sustainable future.” Based in Korea, Dana’s work is often inspired by nature, objects and living people. She is currently working on various projects across the world.

Catherine’s piece ‘The Weighing of the Heart’ casts ashes from the devastating Australian wildfires of 2020 into a heart-shaped sculpture. “The casting of the ashes allowed for the creation of permanent sculptures and removes them from the processes in their landscapes, resulting in art that registers the effects of climate change. “In this image, the sculptures are made from matter in a real-world catastrophe, but the illustrations arise from my imagination and stems from hope that we can rise above this and repair our relationship with the planet.” Catherine Sarah Young uses her background in molecular biology and collaborations with scientists to produce innovative, interdisciplinary and experimental artworks that explore our natural world and environment.

Sylvia’s piece explores how cities can engage with residents and ask them to consider more proactive ways to become greener and more resilient. “It’s my love letter to cities and a call for more nature in our neighbourhoods.”

Anpu’s work explores our deep connection with water, while warning about the divisive future it could face. Anpu said: “This little work is an ode to water, the calmness and freshness we feel when we encounter a water body. Our desire to immerse, enjoy, replenish, live, thrive and connect with our primordial senses.” Anpu works on monumental public art murals across India and the world, as well as being a self-publishing author of two books.

Mathilde’s works expose and explore the impact of the climate crisis on the snowy peaks of mountains. The scratches across the mountains in her work represent the often irreversible damage caused to our natural world. Mathilde said: “The fear that these so-called eternal snows will disappear little by little from the picture books reinforces in me a feeling of urgency. Although we never experience them in real life, the existence of these places represents a precious field of possibilities and imagination for each of us.” About the artist: Born in France, Mathilde is one of the founders of Le Houloc workshop in Aubervilliers. She has participated in exhibitions and programmes across the country and her work has joined the collections of the FMAC and the Fonds Estampe et Photographie of the BNF.

When asked about her inspiration for the piece, entitled ‘In The Palm of Our Hands’, Madjeen said: “Throughout the pandemic, low income and underserved communities experienced harsh realities of the health care system and socio-economic setbacks due to the loss of jobs, and distress around being essential workers during the outbreak of Covid-19. ‘In the Palm of Our Hands’ was inspired by residents in my community and what it would look like if community healing through collective gardening and vegetation was implemented. As my neighborhood slowly undergoes changes that aren’t necessarily inclusive to longtime residents, I’ve been exploring the idea of collective work and responsibility for social transformation. There’s a significance of indulging in and creating work where people like myself feel seen and empowered to also take a stand. What I wish to see in the future are for immigrants, Black and young people to have more access to green spaces within their neighborhoods or simply to create it. These spaces include rooftop gardens, investing in abandoned lots turned into community gardens and days reserved throughout the year for collective and conscious work + educational workshops for the neighborhood by the neighborhood.” . About the artist: Madjeen Isaac, based in Brooklyn, NY has rooted her practice in her identity as a first generation American, exploring the relationship between urban and tropical spaces that evoke feelings of familiarity and nostalgia. Growing up in a neighborhood of predominantly Caribbean immigrants influences Isaac’s process of commemorating memories and cultures that have shaped her upbringing. Isaac received her BFA from Fashion Institute of Technology (2018) and is currently obtaining her MA in Art+Edu & Community Practice at New York University.

When asked about her inspiration for the piece, Naomi said: “In the future that I would like, we will all have the compassion to continually place ourselves in another’s shoes, and to allow this to bring us together in our communities and as societies to collectively reflect, learn, recover, reimagine and ultimately strive to rebuild an earth that is resilient and equal for all.” . About the artist: Naomi Anderson-Subryan is a London based illustrator and maker, working in a variety of mediums – predominantly collage and clay. She is a kitsch enthusiast, lover of colour and collector of Bric-A-Brac. Her work is often inspired by the objects she likes to surround herself with – the kinds of things we place on a shelf or mantelpiece that make us happy. Naomi likes to create characters and worlds that are both vaguely familiar and yet unlike anything else.

When asked about her inspiration for the piece, Diana said: “Nature gives us already everything we need, we should be humble and appreciate its precious gifts by avoiding unnecessary consumption and by sharing with our communities.” . About the artist: Diana Ejaita is an illustrator and textile designer based in Berlin but shifts also between Italy and Nigeria. She has works with different magazines such as the New York Times and New Yorker and is interested in telling stories that enlighten social and environmental justice.

When asked about his inspiration for the piece, Erick said: “In the future, I would love it if indoor spaces integrated the outside world more. Giving communities within a structure a way of being together with themselves but also with those around them.” About the artist: Erick is freelance illustrator from Puerto Rico currently based in Vancouver, Canada. He enjoys making images on a broad range of themes with vivid colors and often surreal spaces.

When asked about her inspiration for the piece, Danielle said: During the pandemic, many have realized the importance of spending time outside to keep physically and mentally well. I hope that as we embrace whatever the new normal will be we won’t forget to continue to appreciate our green spaces. It would be wonderful to see more pedestrianized areas in cities to allow for more people-friendly spaces, green commutes, and outdoor activities. . About the artist: Danielle is a freelance illustrator/animator/maker of things. She is Manchester based and takes interest in visually noting things around her. She gravitates towards illustrating different people and is passionate about depicting diversity.

When asked about her inspiration for the piece, Hélène said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has further revealed and exacerbated the socio-economical and political inequalities within countries and cities. Whilst BIPoC and LGBTQ+ communities are fighting for equal human rights, these rights should also include: the right to clean air and water, the right to live in safe, comfortable homes with easy access to food, health, education and recreation, the right to greenery and beauty, the right to live in non-segregated cities which strive to give all their citizens the same high quality of life. The future I want is rooted in the respect of all life.” Hélène Baum is a French/German illustrator and graphic designer living in Berlin. Her artworks have been used in various contexts, from editorial pieces and children’s books to advertising. “There are no lines in nature, only areas of colour, one against another“ – this quote from Manet evokes a principle that is strong in Hélène’s life and work. Coming from a diverse cultural background, what defines her universe is a sense of “collage” and “kaleidoscopic identity”. She creates vibrant spaces where, through humour, magic and idealism, elements from different cultures coexist in peace and diversity is celebrated.

When asked about his inspiration for the piece, Mark said: “My idea for the future that inspired this artwork is Black people relaxing in an open and safe environment post pandemic. It is a space where people are at peace and interact with each other. All their necessities are met including food, economic freedom and safety.” . About the artist: Mark Fleuridor is a Haitian American artist based in Miami, Florida. He works with mediums such as digital collage, painting and quilting. His works are inspired by his family and people around him.

When asked about her inspiration for the piece, Ngadi said: “The Future I want is one of where every single person considers the other. Due to the nature of this pandemic, people have been at drastic polar opposites when it comes to health (and social) issues. In my future, everyone wears masks and cares for each other, regardless of background or race. Environmentally conscious people are happy to guide others that are not so inclined, in order to impart their knowledge on preserving nature and its importance. Connecting with others and a sense of community is the most important currency.” . About the artist: Ngadi Smart is a Sierra Leonean visual artist based between Côte d’Ivoire and London. She works in the mediums of photography, illustration and collage. The themes in her illustrative work fluctuate between female and male power dynamics, to feminism, to female sexuality and are often also fashion and pop culture inspired. Her aim is to show as many representations of African people, and the complexities of what it means to be African, as she can.

When asked about her inspiration for the piece, Phathu said: “The piece reflects my community, the homes they live in and how we can improve those standard of living while healing the earth. I believe for us to have a future we want, we need to go back to the root and start from the beginning. I want a future where people have access to renewable energy, using less fuel and more Eco-friendly cars. More locally grown food, where households have access to food and water. I want a future where we invest in young people no matter, their gender or race.” . About the artist: Phathutshedzo Nembilwi is an illustrator and graphic designer born and raised in Thohoyandou, South Africa. She studied graphic design and works as a freelance illustrator. Phathu wants to empower, inspire and uplift people through her art. Her work reflects her environment, experiences and hopes.

When asked about her inspiration for the piece, Ngadi said: Multiple studies have found that women outperform men in virtually every type of environmental behaviour. The patriarchy does affect the environment greatly. My future is of a female populated environment, where tree houses are the norm, and futuristic flower and plant helmets provide air and nutrients. Ngadi Smart is a Sierra Leonean visual artist based in Côte d’Ivoire. She works in the mediums of photography and illustration. The themes in her illustrative work fluctuate between female and male power dynamics, to feminism, to female sexuality and are often also fashion and pop culture inspired. Her aim is to show as many representations of African people, and the complexities of what it means to be African, as she can.

When asked about her inspiration for the piece, Reya said: In 2019, we’ve suddenly woken up to a certainty that climate change will come for us, in all parts of the world. Although we’ve always been aware of global warming, there was very little collective effort that we undertook. The larger conscience of the world was dormant. Although quite an aware person myself, I was startled to wake up one fine day and read the news about Kolkata (and other major cities of India) running out of water soon. There was little political and administrative information about this sudden deterioration. Although the future seems bleak, I decided to imagine a more positive outcome. One where our drive to make the city inhabitable for a long, long time makes us invent new things, look at radical changes and in the process, try. Could every household have their own engineered rainfall? Could we somehow use energy from waste and produce water? Could our lifeless pavements become new spots for complex irrigation systems? Could out yellow taxis run on clean energy? The possibilities are endless. Reya Ahmed is a visual artist from Calcutta, India. She has been creating illustrations, installations, zines and working on several independent art projects since 2015. Her work centers around feminism, architecture, and an unshakable love for felines. Calcutta, the city she’s born and lives in, frequently appears in her artwork.

When asked about her inspiration for the piece, Tess said: By 2050 (or 2030 if we’re lucky), I want London to be greener! This means more plants, trees and green spaces. As well as this, we need more people biking to work, or taking public transport to reduce their carbon footprint. Ideally, all modes of transport would be electric, or powered by another source of renewable energy, so there’s no need for fossil fuels. And hey, maybe we could even have electric flying cars! Tess Smith-Roberts is an Illustrator and printmaker based in London. She approaches her work with humour, bold shapes, and a playful use of colour. Tess’s practice has a strong foundation in printmaking, focusing on the techniques of Risograph and Silkscreen printing. She also enjoys making editorial illustrations for a variety of international clients.

When asked about her inspiration for the piece, Serafine shared a quote: “I would not have every man nor every part of a man cultivated, any more than I would have every acre of earth cultivated: part will be tillage, but the greater part will be meadow and forest,
 not only serving an immediate use, but preparing a mould against a distant future” – Henry David Thoreau, 1851. 🌳 She also added: The building that I drew is the Congress House in Biel/Bienne (CH). At the moment, in front of the Congress House is a huge concrete square without plants. The freelance illustrator and graphic designer Serafine Frey was born in 1986 near the Swiss Alps in Berne. Her lively and dynamic illustrations arise from her detailed and research-oriented attitude. She develops contextual concepts and illustrations. Serafine’s inspiration comes from nature, daily absurdities, nostalgia, poetry, human beings, movies, music, surrealism and minimalism. The illustrative “universe” is vast and its possible applications are numerous, thus opening her up constantly new challenges, horizons and opportunities.

When asked about her inspiration for the piece, Maria said: In a world where we can sometimes feel hopeless, like there’s no place for us or place for kindness and respect, it is important to remember that our decisions matter. That every tiny step we take to make our immediate world a better place matters. We have to create and actively work on and for the future we want. María Solias is a Venezuelan artist based in Bogotá, Colombia who works as a children’s book writer and illustrator. Having grown up in Latin America, in close proximity to the latino diaspora, her interest for the concept of home and belonging grew tremendously after migrating. Throughout her life, Maria has always been fascinated by how the world is represented through the eyes of nostalgia, kindness and tenderness. Naturally, she was drawn to illustration and slice of life images. The interest was cultivated during her teenage years and further developed when she decided to leave Venezuela soon after getting her art degree. Maria delved even more into her painting practice, which now involved loss, unfairness, inequality and thoughts about the country she remembers but no longer exists. Maria cherishes this connection with her roots and holds dearly, with hope… the opportunity of one day being able to return home. She feels that the conversation between her background and her artistry opens up many opportunities and connections with other people who has experienced diaspora or are unaware of how sadly common it is to be a forced migrant.

When asked about her inspiration for the piece, Ojima said: I hope for actions that are equitable in their approach, and that consider the interdependent nature of the global environment. I chose to focus on imagining a more pedestrian-friendly Abuja that’s committed to sustainable development. Ojima Abalaka is an illustrator based in Abuja, Nigeria. She is interested in people, identity and culture, as well as the ways these elements interact with each other. Her work often centres women in their daily lives and is set in rest, seeking to explore the worthiness of the ordinary and the mundane.

When asked about her inspiration for the piece, Mat said: I hope that one day, very soon, humanity will be pushed so far that we will be forced to change the way we do things. That we will treat the earth with reverence and stop allowing the level of pollution and contamination that we allow. That we would think of our future generations and take on our responsibility instead of allowing economic forces to prevail over real humanitarian principles – very simply, that we will love the earth and each other and truly understand that we are all one. Mat is a self-taught artist who is constantly exploring new ways to express her creativity, such as: ceramics, graphic novels, mural work and textile design. In recent years, her work has shifted towards spirituality which plays a major part in her life. Mat divides her time between Copenhagen and Santiago de Chile.

When asked about her piece, Martina said: Sometimes all it takes is a small adjustment to your routine or pattern and the change you are making can affect your carbon footprint so massively. For example using public transport or bicycle or sharing a car ride. Small things can have large impact! Martina is originally from Slovakia where she studied politics, then moved to London to study design and now she lives and works in Berlin. She works mostly digitally, and she likes filing her pictures with lanky characters set within flattened environments and dealing with mundane activities.

When asked about her inspiration of the piece, Hélène said: “We need to take care of our planet to ensure its longevity but also to preserve its infinite treasures. We need to take care of us humans to live more healthy and rich lives. I hope for cities along with their industries and services to re-think, re-design their ways of functioning. The aim being to not only stop toxic emissions and stop depleting natural resources but also to give back to the environment and communities. I hope for a revolution in practices led by a shift in mindsets.” Hélène is a a French & German illustrator based in Berlin who has lived and worked in many cities since her childhood, including Munich, London, Sète, Lyon & Amsterdam. Fundamentally, Hélène’s work is about identity, embracing multi-culturalism and giving visibility to people of colour. Her illustrations have been used mainly in the editorial and publishing world with clients such as The Lily, Tate and Penguin Random House.

When asked about her inspiration for the piece, Lizzie said: I would like my future to look WILD! I hope everyone is engaged with nature, and it surrounds our everyday lives, so it benefits communities, employment, families and the wildlife itself. Rewilding comes up more and more when discussing ways we can reduce carbon emissions, and preserve ecosystems. My little scene depicts a town, predominately made up with people & nature living harmoniously side-by-side. Lizzie is an Illustrator living and working in London, originally from the South West of England, near Stonehenge. Her favourite themes are sustainability, the environment and animals.

When asked about his inspiration for the piece, Kimi said: In the future I want, I live to closer to nature. I hope to live with my feet in the soil even if I live in the city. Real soil, not concrete. And I think we should eat local and seasonal food grown in that soil near the city we live in. In short, the future I want follows the laws of nature. This would definitely help the climate crisis. Kimi is the illustrator of team ‘KIMI AND 12’ is based in South Korea, working to under the motto “Plant-based life”. Kimi usually does painting or collaborations with other projects or makes picture books.

From Giulia: In the future I want there is time and space for observation, study and experimentation. People builds their own natural state, helping to invent it. I would like to underline the importance of scientific disclosure, taking as an example the research of Stefano Mancuso and Barbara Mazzolai. Their project started from considering and investigating plants as a source of bio-inspiration for novel actuation and soil probing strategies. Are you ready to learn from plants? Giulia Corascello born in Cuneo in 1989. She studied Architecture and Illustration between Italy, Portugal and Spain. Giulia currently lives in Rome where she works in the educational department at the Children’s Museum.

When asked about her inspiration for the piece, she said: My city of the future is full of people who care about the environment. It is a culture, conscious food, conscious movements, humans using their intelligence for the good of the planet. The future I want is greener, I really hope it’s greener. About the artist: I work at midnight like Cinderella’s mice, almost always, when everyone is sleeping and something pops up in my mind. I’m the queen of bad days, but some days I have nice days, “nobody loves me” I think all the time, and this phrase sounds in my head with the soundtrack of Cinderella when her stepsisters destroy her dress. Maybe it’s something maybe is nothing. I think that accidentally I recorded a UFO or maybe is just the reflection of my loneliness in the sky.

When asked about his inspiration for the piece, Enzo said: We all need to start seeing Earth as our shared mothership transporting us through space and act accordingly by becoming more self-sufficient and adjusting our diets to a plant-based, meat-free diet. (And maybe even with an insect or two for protein!) Enzo Pérès-Labourdette is and award-winning illustrator based in Amsterdam. With a French father, British mother and raised in The Netherlands, Enzo usually introduces himself as European instead of a specific nationality. To do research for his newest picture book about climate change Enzo joined a biologist as a field-assistant on the Arctic island of Svalbard, where he witnessed with his own eyes how quickly climate change is altering our planet.

When asked about her inspiration for the piece, Egene said: I saw a boy in a windy park. He was playing with a flying disc and a big broken bough in hands. He was really into the ‘wind play’ and created unforgettably beautiful scenes. It was only five years ago, but now the scenes have been changed in my city. I begin everyday by opening an app to check the air quality information. We can’t maintain our lives without air purifying machine. Children are almost forbidden to be in the open air without a dust-filtering mask in winter and spring. I realized that the fresh blowing air has been what I love the most all the time with its loss. I imagine a scene of children and birds enjoying the clean wind together with no fear. This ordinary joy already has become what I want in the future where I live. Egene Koo is a painter and illustrator based in Seoul, South Korea. She explores visual motifs from animals, plants and some old stories from childhood and recreates them into her current state of mind. Basically she has been more curious about the inner world, but the air pollution in her city made her think more about the outside. She participated in many exhibitions, art fairs and collaborative projects. She is a wind-lover and a bird-lover.

When asked about her inspiration for the piece, Charlotte said: I want people to allow themselves to imagine an entirely different future and not to think drastic changes are impossible. Like making most London roads pedestrianized or only for public transport, making the air cleaner and easier for people to get around. Also maintaining public parks instead of giving the land over to new building works. Changes that are exciting and have the potential to make our lives happier and healthier. But most importantly, changes that are essential for sustaining live on this planet, I can’t think of a greater hope that that. Charlotte Ager is a Freelance illustrator based in London, originally from the isle of Wight. Her work often explores the poetry in everyday experience and tries to bring emphasis to quieter moments. She is drawn to our relationship with nature–growing up living by the sea she has always been interested by its power over us, which Is often reflected in her work.

When asked about their inspiration for the piece, Nuria and Raquel said: Concerning the real world situation, action is required. Sit down and think. Be alert. Be aware. Take responsibility. You are one part of the cosmos. Let’s take a moment to take a deep breath full of clean and pure air, conscious of nature. Protect the planet, protect yourself. Cachetejack are Nuria Bellver and Raquel Fanjul, a Spanish freelance illustration duo with a nomadic lifestyle.Their illustration universe is full of colors, energy, humour and irony. The hand drawn work of Cachetejack has a fresh and unique style, working in a variety of mediums, including—but not limited to—books, magazines, newspapers, clothing, drawing, painting, walls and illustration. Cachetejack combines reality with a quirky point of view to bring situations and environments closer to the viewer.

When asked about her inspiration for the piece, Beau said: “As someone who has always lived in cities, green spaces are important to me. I’ve always felt a sense of comfort and safety in green spaces, especially living in cities where they aren’t on your doorstep. Although I love the city life, I think it’s extremely important for my mental wellbeing to be close to parks, gardens and natural life. I plan to spend many more years in London and my hope is for my city to put these areas as a priority so children, teens, adults and older people can come together as one community in green spaces. #TheFutureWeWant is full of green spaces, welcome for all.” Normally you can find Beau embroidering magical things and folklore related content or creating illustrations exploring the themes of mental health and queerness.

When asked about her inspiration for the piece, Alyssa said: Where I currently reside, libraries are scarce or not quite accessible to majority of the population. I consider libraries as sanctuaries where people can thrive and learn. The future I want is one where pubic libraries are as common as there are convenience stores; like little oases of knowledge, spread out across the urban sprawl. I illustrated a “giving library” that nourishes people and in turn, is nurtured back by the people it helps. I would also like to employ some cats in these libraries to protect the books from rats! Babs is a freelance illustrator from Manila, Philippines based in Quezon City. She has 4 cats named Maz, Hana, Ponyo, and Rocket.

O futuro é igualitário, precisa ser. Porque, embora não pareça, quando alguém machuca o outro, machuca a si mesmo, e isso vale para a maneira como tratamos o meio ambiente e os ambientes que compartilhamos, casas, bairros, cidades… Todas as nossas ações refletem umas nas outras e consequentemente em nós. Então a igualdade nos equilibra. . Pois apesar de nossas diferenças, somos todos um, porque somos todos humanos. Igualdade em todos os aspectos, social, étnico, gênero e em tantos outros é necessária. Porque em igualdade entendemos que tudo nos afeta verdadeiramente e de modo igualitário pode existir uma real compreensão de tudo, para que assim possamos saber do que lutar e do que preservar. . Linoca Souza é Aline Bispo, Ilustradora e Artista Visual, nasceu e vive na cidade de São Paulo, no Brasil. Bacharela em Artes Visuais pelo Centro Universitário Belas Artes, também estudou Design de Interiores e Comunicação Visual. Seus primeiros trabalhos iniciaram em 2009 com Graffittis e intervenções pelas ruas de São Paulo, de 2012 pra cá, vem produzindo ilustrações e pinturas onde aponta questionamentos em relação à desigualdade étnica, de gênero e social, temas que desenvolve em oficinas e workshops.

When asked about her inspiration for the piece, Charlot said: I’ve always wandered the streets of Dublin picturing how it could be improved, it’s a very grey city that could really use some more green places, and over the last few years we’ve lost a lot of market spaces, so it was important for me to include that in my piece. Charlot is a half Danish half Zimbabwean Illustrator currently living in Dublin, Ireland. She graduated with an Illustration degree from MDX University, London, in 2015, and is currently pursuing a professional career in her field of study. In her work Charlot aims to share awareness around issues that are important to her such as representation of people of color and the environment. The main focus of her work is comics, editorial and book covers.