These surreal art prints featuring characters by Muxxi are quirky and cheerful. They show fantastic creatures and human characters in a way that looks very contemporary, but I can also see an influence from traditional folk art.
Muxxi uses a flat illustration style with interesting shapes. Many different patterns are also used in each image, from polka dots to more complex patterns of diamonds, scallops, or swirls. The colours range from simple palettes with an emphasis on soft pinks and blues to brighter multi-coloured designs. Her style seems to borrow from the folk art and aesthetic of many different countries, which adds to their otherworldly quality. I think some aspects look similar to Eastern European nesting dolls or Pennsylvania Dutch hex signs, while other elements borrow from the Japanese kawaii style.
The people in her illustrations often have unique costumes, and unusually-shaped heads or hats that sometimes look like animal ears. The larger four-legged creatures also have more human-like faces. I like how this, and her playful sense of scale, blur the lines between the “people” and the “animal” characters. Overall, these art prints just exude a sense of cuteness and fun. They show these characters flying kites or eating ice cream, at a carnival-like event with a Ferris wheel, in A Joyful Time. Home is Where the Happy Creatures Are shows one person playing a musical horn while others look on, and other prints show the characters just exploring their magical worlds.
“My work is a combination of imaginary worlds filled with mysterious and colourful creatures,” she says, and her work reflects her “love of spontaneity, freedom and joy.” Muxxi is from Guatemala City, Guatemala. She has produced surreal art designs for Microsoft and Nokia, a mural for Saatchi & Saatchi, a limited edition doll for Momiji dolls, and work for many other clients.
A Joyful Time
Hello Bird
A Lovely Day at the Tiny World
Imagine the Sky
Home is Where the Happy Creatures Are
A Day in the Woods
Hallucination
You Are My Favorite Adventure
