Hanging out with romantic cows and an aquatic private dick thanks to Federico Gutiérrez

Date
2 May 2013

It’s hard to express just how excitable Federico Gutiérrez’ work makes me. The Mexican-born, Vancouver-based illustrator and animator produces imagery that feels like it was made especially for me (though I speak little Spanish). His dense, inky illustrations are packed full of film noir influences, mid-century Americana and Picasso-esque flourishes including an exasperated bull who seems to be questioning the purpose of the human romantic impulse above a lilliputian Poseidon – and why the hell wouldn’t he?

There’s private detectives emerging from lakes, surrealist discotheques and chic female characters suffering from serious malaise. In fact, Federico’s pathos-rich illustrations are like the inky translations of an Almodovar film with chatty fauna thrown in for good measure. Magnificent stuff!

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Federico Gutiérrez: Drawing

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Federico Gutiérrez: Drawing

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Federico Gutiérrez: Drawing

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Federico Gutiérrez: Drawing

Above

Federico Gutiérrez: Drawing

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Federico Gutiérrez: Drawing

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About the Author

James Cartwright

James started out as an intern in 2011 and came back in summer of 2012 to work online and latterly as Print Editor, before leaving in May 2015.

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