Illustrator of the month: Tianju Duan
Do you remember the first illustration you’ve ever made? What was it? Would you mind sharing it with us ?
Unfortunately, I don’t remember any more. It was probably when I was 5. It was just a drawing, I wouldn’t call it illustration. I can’t remember when did it stop being just sketches and started being illustrations.
Does music inspire your work?
Yes, of course. Life would be so boring without music. 8 hours shift would be unbearably long without music. My mood swings with the music I listen to. Subconsciously, it must have influenced my colour choices.
If your art was a song, what would it be? Why?
I could potentially associate a specific piece with a specific song. But not all of them into one song. They are all different. Maybe I can assign my body of work to a music genre, it would probably be something like Chamber Pop.
If you could draw one artist for its album cover, who would it be? Why?
Bjork! For many reasons. First of all, I love Bjork. Bjork is amazing! Listening to her music is such a catharsis. It’s a similar feeling I experience when I draw. Also since Homogenic, Bjork’s work has been so visually stunning. They all come with a such clear narrative. Each album is in its own little universe.
Is there a song on Kitsuné Musique you think would have been great for you to depict?
I haven’t explored Kitsuné Musique’s catalogue extensively enough to make that judgement. Hopefully in the near future I will.
Now that you have linked your illustrations with music, what other art would you like to explore?
More illustrations, is that a valid answer? If I have to choose a different medium – maybe interactive visuals and time based media.