Pick Me Up: Rosie Irvine, Andy Gilmore, Jesse Auersalo, Hvass & Hannibal & Natsko Seki

ARTS THREAD continues its look at the studios at Pick Me Up, Contemporary Graphics Fair at Somerset House.

Rosie Irvine’s work has an intriguing, nostalgic charm that hints at stories just below the surface. She has had considerable success with her editorial work and her designs for book jackets. We loved her distinctive pieces, created with a combination of drawing, stencils and stitching, Rosie says, “I like to work by hand and make a mess.” However, she does use a computer to scan and piece together some of her pieces. We loved the slightly fractured ‘coloured in’ feel and the bright colour and merged tonal effects reprising faded family photographs.

Andy Gilmore is an established, New York based graphic designer with an impressive reputation. His colourful kaleidoscopic work dazzled visitors at Pick Me Up. The strong, geometric images often create great 3D illusions from fragmented shapes and his work has been featured in countless publications. His inspiration from sound and acoustics is linked to another of his skills – as a musician.

In complete contrast, Jesse Auersalo’s pieces have a cold, hard-edged fantasy appeal. Amongst the striking and slightly disturbing images ‘Poor Little Rich Girl’ and ‘Peeper’ were memorable.

Nan Na Hvass & Sofie Hannibal form the collaborative partnership Hvass & Hannibal. We loved the vibrant ‘Rousseau-esque’ landscapes that were on show at the exhibition. The pair are based in Copenhagen where they work in digital media and also in 3D, creating sets and costume designs. One of our favourite pieces on show at Pick Me Up was ‘Creatures in the Garden of Lady Walton’, which was created as a CD cover for band, The Clogs.

Natsko Seki’s fresh and inventive pieces have won many fans and international clients including the BBC, Louis Vuitton, Beams, and editorial work for Bloomsbury Publishing and The Guardian. Tokyo born Natsko is now based in London, a city that inspires her whimsical urban scenes. Her pieces raise the spirits with their optimistic air, lightness of touch and great sense of colour.

Rosie Irvine
Andy Gilmore
Jesse Auersalo
Natsko Seki
Hvass & Hannibal