Belgium-based illustrator Nabil Nezzar is a master of material and surface. Drawing apparent inspiration from fashion photography, he presents a contemporary, trendy vision of feminine beauty. His work ranges from exact replicas of pages from “Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty” done in graphite, colored pencil, and water color, to rougher, more illustrative pieces done with colored pencils and water color, but driven primarily by skilled strokes of graphite. What is so visually appealing about Nezzar’s work is perhaps his ability to achieve a final product imbued with both delicacy and boldness – not to mention almost eerily photographic detail (most apparent in his ‘Sublime’ collection). His affinity for the mostly frail, fashion-forward model portrait and figure lends itself beautifully to varying line thicknesses, bold strokes and bursts of bright colors. This is particularly true in his ‘Venitianns’ collection, which additionally demonstrates Nezzar’s profound understanding of light as it interacts with three-dimensional shape through his skillful use of the white background.
Nezzar has an extensive portfolio – one that includes freelance work for Louis Vuitton, Warner Brothers, and Galerie Lafayette. This is certainly no surprise as his work is stunning in a stereotypical sense, both in quality and imagery, yet also intriguing enough to hold your attention long enough to get lost in his vision.
Aug. 12, 2013
Design Skolen Kolding
Academy of Design Australia
University of Cincinnati
Parsons
LOFT 42
Red Dot design award
