Meet Amii Illustrates
How it all began
My Amii Illustrates journey began in June 2020. I created and posted this artwork (albeit to my 200 Instagram followers ), commentating on the phrase “All Lives Matter”, often being used in response to the Black Lives Matter Movement.
This post quickly blew up, as did the size of my audience, growing by over 10,000 followers in 1 week! In selling this work as in the form of prints and t-shirts, I was able to raise nearly $600 dollars for the Black Lives Matter Movement.
The success of this work is a fantastic example of why I love my practice. How incredible to know that a few simple lines can stir so many emotions, so much outrage, so much debate and conversation – and raise money for an incredible cause in the process.
This leads me nicely onto something I was asked recently regarding my satirical art – “Are you ever afraid of sharing your political stance with the world? ” – put simply, no! I am able to use my platform to stand up for what’s right, and that’s an incredibly privileged position to be in. There’s a right way and a wrong way to use your privilege, and I believe that it’s important to use it the right way.
Alongside my satirical illustration, you will find plenty of humorous, surrealist work. I love to take mundane, everyday scenarios, and look at them from an unexpected, funny perspective.
Inspirations
In terms of the bold, thought-provoking and conversation stirring artwork, my main inspirations are Tracey Emin and the Guerrilla Girls. When I came across these very early in my practice, it was the first time that I realised that my illustration can be utilised to amplify my voice. I found it extremely admirable how they seemed to fearlessly approach topics, without concern about who they would anger in the process.
In terms of humour and surrealism, I find huge inspiration in artists such as Joan Cornella, CB Hoyo, Gudim Public, Foka Wolf, False Knees, Poorly Drawn Lines – but my main inspirations are Mr Bingo and David Shrigley. I think what appeals to me is how works of art that are odd and funny, are not what immediately springs to mind when people think about art. Similarly to how I feel about Tracey Emin and the Guerrilla Girls, it’s this approach to art that is unique, not what you’d expect. Anything that raises eyebrows is a winner in my books!
www.amiiillustrates.com
*This blog post is provided by the business owner featured – the views and opinions expressed on this blog are not our own.
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