WIA2024 – Longlist Category Highlights: Exploration
Exploration is a vital part of every illustrators practice. That’s why our Exploration Category highlights experimenting, through innovative use of technique, process and ideas.
![](https://theaoi.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Cinta-Fosch-Maynard-Loop-2-1339x1200.jpg)
This category is incredibly varied, highlighting expressive use of medium, texture and colour. As well as giving illustrators the opportunity to showcase personal stories and perspectives.
Be sure to check out the diverse range of work by viewing the full Exploration WIA2024 Longlist. We’ve curated a selection of some of our favourites from both New Talent and Professional illustrators below…
Ayesha Rana – Tiling in Wormiverse
Professional
This piece combines illustration and typography to form a technicoloured rainbow.
Created using Adobe Illustrator’s 3D feature, the piece has a playful, tactile mosaic feel. That invites the viewer to look closer at the hidden details.
The use of worms throughout the piece represent movement, pattern and curiosity in our everyday life.
Ayesha Rana is an illustrator based in the US.
![](https://theaoi.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/EX_PRO_Zoe-Liu–Birds-Eye-View-2228x1200.jpg)
Zoe Liu – Bird’s Eye View
Professional
This illustration aims to change our perspective on how we view the world by taking in more and being present in the moment.
The minimal palette and geometric use of shape creates a sense of harmony with nature. Whilst the blue has a feeling of tranquillity and freedom.
Zoe Liu is an illustrator based in China.
Haozhe Li – Something Happened
New Talent
Using traditional techniques such as watercolour, pastels and coloured pencil, this illustration has a dreamlike, nostalgic quality.
The illustration explores this idea of uncertainty and ambiguity, leaving it open to interpretation for the viewer.
As part of a wider series, each piece has a surreal undertone whilst showing very subtle hints to allude to deeper emotions.
Haoxhe Li is an illustrator based in the US.
Cinta Fosch – Maynard Loop
Professional
This illustration was created for artist, Fumi Suzuki’s album cover.
Capturing how listening to their music creates an overwhelming mixture of emotion through showing an immersive world.
The medium of collaged stencils was heavily inspired by Fumi Suzuki’s Japanese heritage.
Cinta Fosch is an illustrator based in Spain.
Taweechob Pinthong – Animals and Human together as one
New Talent
This illustration draws on both the individuality and similarity of everyone.
By showing diverse figures and animals from a Birds Eye perspective, this allows them to blend into one unanimous pattern, showing a shared, collective experience.
Taweechob is an illustrator based in Thailand.
![](https://theaoi.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/EX_NT_Timea-Zsofia-Terenyei–Self-Reflection.png)
Tímea Zsófia Terenyei – Self Reflection
New Talent
This personal piece explores self love and the importance of understanding your own emotions.
The comic composition shows the cloud of confusion appearing to be lifted. Using traditional ink textures to capture the mist, before combining this digitally.
Tímea Zsófia Terenyei is an illustrator based in Hungary.
If you enjoyed reading this curated list, be sure to keep an eye on our website, socials and sign up to our newsletter for more as our WIA2024 Longlist, is announced.
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