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InspirationIllustration

Bold and diverse illustrations that challenge inequality and racism by Alva Skog

"Illustration is a way for me to communicate, express and question ideas and ideals. For me, illustration and art is a powerful (political) tool and I want people to reflect on things that we might ignore, such as gender inequality and hidden racism," says Alva Skog.

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Three figures with diverse skin tones and hairstyles shown from behind against a vibrant rainbow-coloured background

The Swedish illustrator is currently studying their final year at Central Saint Martins but is already making an impact in the industry. In 2017, they won a Yellow Pencil in the D&AD New Blood awards and they have exhibited twice at the Cluster Arts Illustration show in Shoreditch.

"My wish is to highlight and challenge social issues in society and contribute to the much-needed diversity in media and advertising," Alva adds. Here's a recent selection of their illustration work, along with an animation entitled About Morfar – an adaptation of a recorded conversation between their mother and grandmother about their grandfather. The soundtrack is All Is Not Lost by Stephen Daniel Lemaire. One to watch.

Illustration of a plump figure with peach-toned skin, red hair, blue feet and hands, wearing a winter hat, viewed from behind against a green background
Abstract illustration by Alva Skog featuring an orange figure with simplified facial features against a red background, holding oversized circular grey shapes
A stylised illustration of multiple overlapping figures rendered in shades of coral and red, with visible hands and faces emerging from the composition against a grey background
Person with dark hair in yellow shirt and grey shorts stands triumphantly on a teal rock against a yellow background, pointing forward with one arm extended
Illustration of a figure with dark skin wearing a red jumper and blue trousers, sitting with knees bent and red nail polish visible on hands and feet
Black illustration of a person wearing a red and yellow garment sitting on green grass beneath a peachy watercolour sky, gazing upward
Illustration of a figure with teal skin wearing red trousers and yellow hair, hugging themself against a dark blue background
Watercolour illustration of a seated figure with grey-blue hair and orange-toned skin wearing yellow shorts, set against a deep red background with organic shapes in black and grey tones
Illustration of a person in a bright red shirt and yellow trousers crouching with hand to head, rendered in bold colours against a gradient background
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