WIA 2019

Written by Jac Lott

Returning to Somerset House, the event was a private view of the wonderful and varied shortlisted works, followed by the awards ceremony which was a chance for us all to celebrate the success of some of the world’s most exciting illustrators, both professional and new rising talent.

Amongst the celebrated artwork was our own Sija Hong who was shortlisted in the Book Category, her entry entitled Porcelain, inspired by the famous Chinese novel collection Taiping Guangji was a stunning fusion of color and imagination created in Sija’s instantly recognizable style of East blending with West, combining fine pattern and a dazzling depth of color.

above - Sija Hong's shortlisted piece

The night was a huge success with the room applauding the accomplishments of all the illustrators who had taken the time to create artwork for The WIA, notable amongst the awards were the Overall Winners -

Anna Mill (professional) whose work really stood out to us with its bold, digital layering depicting a near-future city in the style of a graphic novel and Patrick Dias (new talent), whose experimental submission, combined illustration, set making, stop motion and 2d animation which was a real talking point in the room.

The World Illustration Awards exhibition will run throughout July at Somerset House and is free to visit, more information here.