French illustration and printmaking duo Mayumi Otero and Raphael Urwiller invite us to explore their universe of prints that not only champion originality but also leave viewers to interpret what they see and decipher the hidden complexities of the seemingly innocent illustrations.
United by their love for drawing and printmaking, Icinori is dedicated to publishing beautiful art prints and publications that are engaging yet have a touch of fantasy skillfully constructed with careful attention to detail and balance.
Contrast is all part of the Icinori charm. By applying a cinematic eye to their illustrations, the duo manage to add depth and atmosphere to their images, using bold colour to draw the eye and pull focus onto their work’s narrative elements.
What’s more, Icinori clearly finds inspiration in the world of historical illustration, melding it with a contemporary aesthetic to make the full-page spreads memorable. The pair work predominantly in the fields of editorial design and printmaking, experimenting with various forms of narrative to concoct book and magazine covers, posters, pamphlets as well as publishing projects for all sorts of clients including the likes of Le Monde, The New York Times, Wired, XXI, Forbes Magazine to name but a few.
Their latest works include Louis Vuitton’s Travel Book Seoul, a 160-page leather-bound hardback distilling the essence of South Korea’s largest city in an exclusive run of 30. Inspired by their many trips to Seoul, the book portrays the capital’s “residents’ rhythms, the movement of the street, traders, shopping as a religion in Myeong-Dong, cosmetic surgery salons, street food — such as the enticing Odeng, Mandu, ‘Tornado Potato’, Gimbap and Hotteok cakes.”
anna@peopleofprint.com
- Icinori - February 9, 2021
- Sergio Membrillas - December 18, 2020
- La Perruque: Type Magazine - December 8, 2020
