The Arts & Culture Journal

They say a picture can tell a thousand words. With Gary Kempston’s latest batch of illustrations there is no need for such lengthy twaddle!

Concise and often witty, the illustrator’s work is hugely accessible. It’s charm arrives through familiar symbols and a limited colour palette meaning that their message is bold and direct.

“These images were all commissioned to accompany texts dealing with contemporary world issues. I try to express these issues through the use of visual metaphors which aim to capture the essence of the theme that is being discussed,” explains Gary.

The concept of scale also plays a big part in not just the style of works but also their complexity. Many of Gary’s illustrations are printed at small dimensions and therefore must work at any size - a consideration that only concerns commercial illustrators.

This immediate ‘constraint’ on Gary clearly allow his creativity to penetrate in other directions. Stifled in one respect, and encouraged to swell in another - the thought-provoking notion of an artist restrained.

Compared with his art works showcased on Fallyrag earlier this year, Gary’s illustrations follow similar graphic lines. The difference here is that these illustrations communicate an entire story within one space, acutely. He expertly guides the viewer to an explanation, the reason, rather than allowing a game of interpretation and misinterpretation.

Gary Kempston is a respected UK based illustrator, working in print, design advertising and new media. He regularly contributes to The Guardian and has worked on a wide range of quality lifestyle, consumer and specialist publications.