Sinenhlanhla Chauke wants his colours to lift the world

Based in Cape Town, South Africa, the illustrator's figures have a gaze you can't look away from, sometimes with pupils shaped like Pac-Man on a pivot.

Currently a product design intern at Sanlam Indie in Cape Town, Sinenhlanhla also owns an art direction and illustration studio called 99Perspective, which he started in late 2018. Since then he's worked with brands and agencies such as Puma South Africa, Pieman and many more on campaigns, product/merch designs and branding.

"My work aims to solve creative problems in the best way possible," he tells Creative Boom. "That means including diverse characters and voices in my work; that's important to me as there are so many people who are different in the world and need positive representation in the media, especially BIPOC women and men."

"I also appreciate a lot of my fellow peers in South Africa, and I'm encouraged by so many Black voices in the creative space."

As a kid, Sinenhlanhla (or Sine) was always interested in all things creative, whether painting, drawing or taking photographs. "Creativity in all forms and avenues excited me and gave me the outlet whenever I was feeling frustrated or had an urge to create. So naturally one of the subjects I did was Visual Arts at high school, and Visual Communication at The Academy Of Digital Arts in Cape Town, South Africa."

"Everything took off after I graduated and got my certificate."

Sinenhlanhla draws inspiration and references from his culture, language and other African aesthetics. He also believes strongly in the power of colour.

"I use colour in a smart way to communicate the message and to uplift the world, as we live in times of distress and uncertainty."

Check out the effect below with your own eyes.