2024 | Longlist | Editorial
- Why did you create this work?
I was commissioned to record the stories of ordinary people in Ukraine, from life, during the first month of the Russian Invasion. I interviewed and drew people like Madame Olga, 99 and Vova, age 7 who's stories could have otherwise easily been forgotten. I made about 40 drawings, in the Metro in Kharkiv, where others lived for months on end, and in the hospitals and empty streets. - How were your illustrations used?
They were used alongside a 4000 word essay which I wrote about the first month of the Russian Invasion, told from the point of view of the the people I sat and drew. The words were punctuated by the ink drawings and published in two languages. - What materials and techniques did you use?
I draw from life using Pen, Ink and watercolour. Occassionally collaging material I find in the rubble. - Was this project commissioned?
Commissioned - Commissioner Name
Paul Reyes from VQR (USA), Birthe Steinbeck SZ Magazin (Germany) - Commissioner Company
SZ Magazin - Commissioner Instagram
@SZmagazin - Agent
Philippa Perry - Agent Instagram
NA - College / University
Kingston - Course and graduation date
BA Illustration, 2007 - Personal Website or Portfolio Link
georgebutler.org/
- Instagram
@georgebutlerillustration - X (formerly Twitter)
@george_butler - Biography
George Butler is an award-winning illustrator but has reinvented the role of the Artist Reporter drawing conflict zones, climate issues, humanitarian issues for the news. His work has been shown in the Imperial War Museum North and is held in the V&A Collection. His drawings have been published by The Times (London), Monocle, New York Times, the Guardian, SZ Magazin, VQR, BBC, CNN, Der Spiegel. - Where are you currently based?
United Kingdom (UK)
