216 pages, hardcover, £30
Published by Counter-Print
counter-print.co.uk

If there’s just one thing that jumps out at you when you look at a Malika Favre illustration, it’s that she’s nothing short of a genius when it comes to playing with color, light and shadows. Her style is instantly recognizable not only for its clean lines inspired by optical illusions, but also for her concise approach to storytelling and how she conveys messages through minimalist images.

Favre pays careful attention to details, using as few elements as possible. Each of her vector illustrations is precisely executed through the use of grids and geometric structures as a backbone for each composition, which is then brought to life with bold yet sparse color palettes.

It’s no wonder, then, that the first monograph of the artist’s work is a treat to behold. Its large, generous format is the perfect vehicle for Favre’s simple yet strong images. One could almost cut them out to frame, if it didn’t mean destroying the book.

The book is divided into seven sections, each a showcase of images exploring a subject close to Favre’s heart, like travel and erotica, and prefaced with a glimpse into her creative process and inspiration. Although the book is light on text, it starts off with an insightful introduction by writer Garrick Webster that details Favre’s ways of working, outlining her gradual transition from illustrating lighter subjects to creating more-sophisticated narratives with deeper meanings as she gained clarity and confidence of voice through editorial commissions and personal pieces. —Amy Ng