Chai Oek

DESCRIPTION //

This piece is one part self portrait exploration, one part cultural identities exploration and one part wanting to do something cool. I wanted to apply my style of line-art handling, whilst exploring ideas of portraits, performance identities and POC cultures in a pop surrealism concept. I wanted to represent concepts from my family’s background, something that I don’t feel is represented often enough - especially in this pop style. The piece I chose to submit is a re-colouring piece, during this process I fell in love with risograph printing palettes. I feel that this bright, high contrast palette suites my harsh line-work better than the muted tones I had previously explored.

DESIGN PROCESS //

My design process usually begins with finding a single point of inspiration, in this case the Khon masks used in traditional Thai performance. From that point, it is a process of free sketching until I come to an intersection where my inspiration can meld with my process and style.

How would you describe your style?

I would say my style emphasises lineart to convey form, depth and texture where possible. It’s influenced by growing up reading comic books and watching anime. I tend to focus on the human form and portraits, having taught myself how to draw from comic books and my sister’s fashion magazines.

What are your influences?

Thematically, I’m influenced by 80s science fiction novels, books by authors like Joe Haldeman and Robert Heinlein. I find the content held within this genre to be intriguing. It definitely has an impact on the type of content I choose to produce.

One of the biggest influences on my drawing style, would be the French comic artist Moebius. I love his storytelling and use of line and colour. His works are complex and multi-layered, exploring myths and unknown universes in a way that leaves you wanting to know more. I hope it’s something I can one day achieve.

If you could be any animal in the world, what animal would you be and why?

Definitely the Marine Iguanas of the Galapagos. They’re vegetarian (though I’m currently not), they swim, eat algae and hang out on the rocks.

If you could only choose one song to play every time you walked into a room for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

Definitely the Super Mario Bros theme, it easily fits into the background and by the time you notice it, it’s in your head and stays with you for quite a while.

ILLUSTRATOR | PERTH, WA

AGE | 29

INSTAGRAM | @hello_oek WEBSITE | oek.design

TOOLS | Adobe Photoshop