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InspirationIllustration

Award-winning Reigning Heads series tells story of a surreal and dystopian planet

As the world feels as though it's becoming more unsettling, it's only natural that creatives are dreaming up alternatives. One such illustrator, Luyi Wang – an award-winning illustrator and gallery artist based in New York, has done just this.

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Colourful illustration by Luyi Wang showing diverse figures with smiley face symbols arranged in a radial pattern beneath a stylised sun against a vibrant red background with white clouds

After completing her BA at Camberwell College of Art in London and an MFA at Maryland Institute College of Art, the artist's work has been recognised by several awards, including the silver medal at this year's Society of Illustrators.

The winning series was Reigning Heads, which tells a surreal and dystopian story of a far-away planet filled with Beings that care about nothing but themselves, and are controlled by the Heads.

Luyi explains: "This series reflects the ways in which modern society has become increasingly self-serving, narcissistic, and apathetic." Discover more at luyiwangart.com.

Colourful illustration of an alien landscape with tall green cacti, vibrant figures in various poses, orange clouds, a full moon and surreal creatures under a night sky
Illustration from Luyi Wang's Reigning Heads series showing stylised figures with oversized grey heads submerged in water on a dystopian planet
Luyi Wang's surreal illustration shows stylised figures in a snowy landscape with buildings, a large red shape, and figures in pink and blue clothing among scattered objects.
Surreal landscape with giant black heads looming over colourful figures connected by white lines to red spheres against a deep blue sky in Luyi Wang's Reigning Heads series
A stylised figure with a red head and white dragonfly wings stands atop a striped yellow cone, surrounded by smaller figures below against a dark purple and pink landscape
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