BEHIND THE ZINES

This week, the Barking Learning Centre Gallery played host to UEL’s latest Illustration show.

Behind the zines revealed the process behind magazine illustration, showcasing a selection of works created by Level 5 Illustration students from the University of East London. The theme of the exhibition was Empire, with personal interpretations of the topic being expressed by students.

Although the approach was historical, many of the illustrations made connections with the modern world. From the British Empire in India, to the Chinese Empire and a strong parallel between the Celtic and Roman Empires, the students based their work on thorough research, in order to decide upon the elements they wanted to highlight.

Jed, Rachel, Swan and Tonia, whose illustrations deal with the British Empire in India, claimed that they used The Jungle Book as their inspiration:

“Using the Anglo-Indian Rudyard Kipling’s Jungle Book as a visual tool, we illustrated our research findings. We found that Mowgli, although the only human in the jungle, had power over the animals.”

By including such brands as Starbucks and McDonald’s, the artists connect the ideas of ancient empire and modern day empire. Mowgli selling coffee at Starbucks and Bagheera being the new face of McDonald’s are only two examples of this original association between two worlds.

Those who depicted the Celtic and Roman Empires based their work on architecture, armies and legends. For instance, one illustration clearly references the legend of the founders of Rome, Romulus and Remus. The magazine that dealt with the Roman and Celtic empires was inspired by a mirror, according to the artists:

“Between the pages, we made a mirroring effect. For example, if the first page illustrates Roman architecture, the last page will show Celtic architecture. The zine includes each empire’s architecture, armour and weapons, innovative ideas and much more.”

Those who approached the oriental Chinese Empire represented the ancient astrological myths, but also political issues, both in the past and present.

Each Empire was dedicated a magazine, which could be bought at the venue for £2,50. The illustrations were engaging and powerful enough to make you reflect on their true meaning. The event was an opportunity for students to display their work, but also for art amateurs to contemplate modern interpretations of empires.