The Arts & Culture Journal

"Unique, sometimes humorous or even grotesque graphic solutions represent the only way to do interesting and eye-catching work," Agnes Vas tells us. "Much of my work is ironic - I listen to the world and produce visual solutions from what I hear."

And it certainly must make interesting listening. Agnes’ graphics work shows a close, comfortable relationship with illustration that is reaffirmed by the use of traditional methods and digital work.

This meeting of two styles, two periods even, results in wonderful visuals. Scratchy, hurried brushstrokes hide behind a foreground of sharp, precise typography. In another piece, 'Taxidermia', we see bold use of typography presented atop an illustrative background.

Being so adept in both paint and pixels, Agnes is able to master a broad range of styles into her art. Sometimes one medium is completely ignored in favour of a rustic composition of paint and collage - on other occasions there is no paintbrush in sight.

"In my illustrations I like to draw human and animal characters. Usually I don't want to create perfect anatomical figures, just catch the face or the pose. For these works I like to use pen, ink, coal or pencil."

Agnes’ variation in style is both interesting for the viewer but also says much for the designer. A hunger for exploration is clearly evident. The first images here are black and white with distressed services; folds and tears - murky images. Flick through though and we have a whole compendium of solutions. Crisp design, illustrative design, computer-aided, computer ignored. Agnes' work is a joy not least due to its variation and there is a surprise around every corner.