Diverse Character Illustrations Made From Iconic Symbols of Their Beloved Cities

federico babina city illustration

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One of our favorite illustrators, Federico Babina, is back with a new set of drawings that takes us on a world tour. Sticking to his clear, graphic sensibilities, Babina illustrates some of the most well-loved cities around the world for his new series INKONICITY. From Beijing to Berlin, Istanbul to Paris, the Italian artist draws from the culture and iconography of each city to visually illustrate their characteristics.

A couple dancing the tango in Buenos Aires or Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janiero are some of the figurative touchstones that stand in the center of each illustration. Swirling around them, geometric shapes and lines that suggest the main landmarks, traditional foods, or famous artworks of the cities help with the visual roadmap.

As exemplified by his illustrations of mental illness, Babina has an uncanny ability to synthesize complex topics into simple designs, and INKONICITY is no different. Each drawing is a guidebook, taking the viewer on a whirlwind tour in one glance. And, as usual, Babina has also released an entertaining animated clip, where each visual detail comes to life. The single city illustrations, as well as a compilation of all 21 cities, are available as art prints via Babina's Society6 store.

Federico Babina's new illustrations take us on a world tour of 21 beloved cities.

federico babina city illustration

federico babina city illustration

federico babina city illustration

federico babina city illustration

federico babina city illustration

federico babina city illustration

federico babina city illustration

federico babina city illustration

federico babina city illustration

federico babina city illustration

Each drawing is filled with details that explore the culture and heritage of the city depicted.

federico babina travel illustration

federico babina travel illustration

federico babina travel illustration

federico babina travel illustration

federico babina travel illustration

federico babina travel illustration

federico babina city illustration

federico babina city illustration

federico babina city illustration

federico babina illustrator

Watch each city illustration come to life in this mesmerizing animation.

Federico Babina: Website | Instagram | Society6
h/t: [arch daily]

All images via Federico Babina.

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Illustrator Imagines Movie Stars in Famous Architect-Designed Homes

Jessica Stewart

Jessica Stewart is a Staff Editor and Digital Media Specialist for My Modern Met, as well as a curator and art historian. Since 2020, she is also one of the co-hosts of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. She earned her MA in Renaissance Studies from University College London and now lives in Rome, Italy. She cultivated expertise in street art which led to the purchase of her photographic archive by the Treccani Italian Encyclopedia in 2014. When she’s not spending time with her three dogs, she also manages the studio of a successful street artist. In 2013, she authored the book "Street Art Stories Roma" and most recently contributed to "Crossroads: A Glimpse Into the Life of Alice Pasquini." You can follow her adventures online at @romephotoblog.
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