AESTHETIC ADVOCACY
ALDA LILJA & CAMILLA CAVALLI
Alda Hrannardottir is an Icelandic Illustror based in Amsterdam. Despite a life-long passion for drawing, Alda originally studied languages. It wasn’t until she hit 20 that she decided to dedicate herself to her art, gaining a BA (hons) degree in Illustration from Art University Bournemouth. “I am influenced by interesting conversations, the queer community and tattoo culture,” she told Cluster, “being queer is a big pat of who I am and how I experience the world.”
Disassociation | 2020
Hidden
In her three works selected by Cluster, naked figures smile contently surrounded by autumn leaves and spring-time shoots. “I like to use plants as a symbol for self-growth,” Alda explains, “They need care, patience and light to grow – so do we.” In regards to her methods, Alda favours the flexibility that digital methods allow, using an Ipad and Procreate software as her weapons of choice. Though, she also enjoys experimenting in sketchbooks, “I use ink and graphite a lot and love it. I’ve done a lot of life drawing in the past, which definitely comes in handy when drawing people.”
Her colourful illustrations tenderly dispute societal beauty standards and gender norms, making a powerful case for body-positivity by featuring stylish characters of all shapes, colours, and sizes, often with body hair and tattoos. “I hope that I can help someone feel seen and empowered,” she explains, “I believe representation in the arts is important to foster a sense of belonging, so I try to show diversity in my art.”
I’m ok | 2019
LGBTQ | 2021
As for the future, she has some exciting projects bubbling away – keep an eye on her instagram for pending announcements. Through Cluster, she hopes to find opportunities for connection with likeminded artists. “I am excited for the upcoming events,” she told us, “and for the chance to find new networks and inspiration.”
Your Choice
Similarly, Swiss artist Camilla Cavalli believes that art can be a powerful social and political tool. After purchasing an Ipad, she began drawing on Procreate for fun, though it soon became a daily practise. “At first, I was a self-taught artist, now I’m attending art school, where I wish to expand my artistic knowledge and ability,” she shared.
Diet Culture | 2021
Camilla’s illustrations confront the male gaze, with strong, predominantly female characters who stare directly back, unapologetic in their bodies and undeterred by so-called imperfections. These figures are often forgrounded by a wall of text, which vary from sharp, quippy slogans to decidedly more vulnerable offerings.
Through vivid blocks of colour and bold messaging, her work seeks to evoke strong feelings that culminate in productive conversations. “I like to create illustrations that carry an important message – wether that relates to mental health, body image or racial and gender equality,” she told Cluster, “to me, these are incredibly important topics. I hope my work encourages viewers to reflect, educate themselves, and spark conversation.”
Attitude | 2021
She begins her process by gathering information on each subject, along with reference images for colour and composition, before compiling these in a moodboard. Next, she generates a colour palette and works through some preliminary sketches. Finally, she starts drawing solid shapes, adding text, details and texture digitally.
“When I was approached by Cluster, I felt so honoured and happy,” she told us, “this opportunity will offer me the chance to spread my messages far and wide, meet new artists and hopefully lead to future collaborations.” Right now, Camilla is working on her traditional art skills, and has recently undertaken a linocut print project. “I am making tote bags and small pouches with my designs, which I intend to start selling soon.”
Coloured vision | 2021
Male Gaze| 2021
Both of these artists demonstrate an unwavering commitment to a kinder, more inclusive society. Their figurative works incorporate diverse bodies, queer and otherwise, not typically represented in the mainstream. While some of their subjects seem competitively, unabashedly themselves, others are unsure, working-through, figuring things out day by day. It’s ok to be both, is the unifying message, or neither; we are all works-in-process, after all.
Work by both Alda Lilja and Camilla Cavalli can be viewed on the Cluster Illustration platform
and purchased through our Cluster Illustration Online Shop.
Thank you for reading,
Stephanie Gavan & Cluster Team.