Monika Vaicenavičienė – winner of the World Illustration Award
On the 7th of June the World Illustration Awards were given to sixteen best authors in different categories. Lithuanian artist Monika Vaicenavičienė became a winner of the Children‘s Book (New Talent) category with her work What Is a River?
‘In today’s world it is important to talk about the relationship of people and nature. Hence a book that would tell about many beautiful and harmful relations we have with our environment. Rivers are the subject because of many interesting geographical, cultural and mythological associations. The story balances both factually accurate and poetic storytelling.’ – says Monika, the author of the book.
Monika Vaicenavičienė is an illustrator and author originally from Vilnius, Lithuania, and currently based in Uppsala, Sweden. Monika completed her undergraduate studies at Vilnius Academy of Arts in 2014 and obtained an MFA in Visual Communication from Stockholm Konstfack University of Arts, Crafts and Design in 2017.
The winners can be seen alongside the full shortlist in a colourful, thought provoking and inspiring exhibition at Somerset House from 7 – 20 June. The shortlist has been selected by the jury from record 3,300 entries from 75 countries. The exhibition is punctuated by insights from judges and industry leaders such as Quentin Blake and Sir John Hegarty. ‘Illustration sets the imagination free’ Sir John Hegarty (AOI Patron). “Illustration aims to illuminate. It brings to light the words of writers and clarifying ideas to the world.” Jasper Wong, WIA judge.
The exhibition, held in Somerset House’s Embankment Galleries, is the largest World Illustration Awards show to date, showcasing the full shortlist of 200 works. It explores what illustration means today, how it shapes our world and charts how the art form itself is changing. At once global and personal, visitors can expect to be inspired by this diverse, engaging exhibition. This annual survey of the best illustration globally will explore where illustration is now, where it is heading in the future. As WIA judge Rob Alderson of WeTransfer says “in a visual culture dominated by photography, illustration provides a deliciously different way to see the world.”
The partner of Monika’s participation in the Awards Ceremony – Lithuanian Culture Institute.