Illest of Illustration: Farmer’s Market

September 23 - October 25, 2024
Willis Smith Gallery

GALLERY RECEPTION AND ART WALK:
October 19, 5-8pm, free and open to the public

ABOUT:
The Illest of Illustration annual exhibition serves as an annual pinnacle within the artistic community of Ringling College of Art and Design, organized by the student-led club of the same name. This event stands as a vibrant showcase, spotlighting the remarkable talent and creativity emerging from the college's illustration program. Through a carefully curated selection of works, it provides a platform for students to exhibit their mastery of various illustration techniques, styles, and concepts.

At its core, The Illest of Illustration exhibition functions not only as an exhibition but as a celebration—an opportunity for both creators and enthusiasts to come together and appreciate the power and diversity of illustration as an art form, fostering a sense of community among students, faculty, alumni, and the wider public, inviting them to engage with and be inspired by the showcased pieces. This exhibition not only highlights individual achievements but also underscores the collective strength and vitality of the illustration department at Ringling College, reinforcing the institution's commitment to nurturing and promoting artistic excellence, encouraging innovation, and pushing boundaries within the field of illustration.

ABOUT THE JUROR, DEB JJ LEE:
Deb JJ Lee (they/them) is a Brooklyn-based Korean American illustrator. Their work has been featured in The New Yorker, Washington Post, NPR, Google, and many more. They have also illustrated covers for the books The Other Side of Tomorrow by Tina Cho (Roaring Book Press, 2020) and The Other Side of Tomorrow by Tina Cho (HarperCollins, 2024). Last spring, they published In Limbo, a graphic novel memoir that focuses on their experience as a Korean American, as well as mental health. This is their first graphic novel they have published, which they worked on for five years. They recount that the novel grew overtime with them, and that they gained closure in many relationships through completing it.

Over their career, their work has won them many awards, such as the Ignatz Award for “Promising New Talent” and a gold medal from the Society of Illustrators. They are well known for their multiple collaborations with the band Japanese Breakfast, and have been featured in many of Gallery Nucleus’ shows. They describe their style as maximalism, creating chaotic compositions. They hone in on detail in their pieces and use bold and striking color palettes to make their work stand out.