Firpal’s lavish illustration work is folkloric and futuristic all at once

Sometimes it seems illustrators have the ability to create a whole new universe with their accumulated works, and this is certainly the case with Firpal. The illustrator describes their motif as a “plush, chimeric fantasy”, based on Indofuturist speculative fiction, which results in folkloric scenes imbued with a sense of dichotomy, from “swirling swaps” to “lavishly furnished interiors”. Their incredibly detailed and decorative style has developed through researching traditional Kalighat, Thangka and Mughal miniature paintings. “These planarity techniques can be seen in my use of flat drawing, cursive lines and gradients,” Firpal says. Currently, they’re delving deeper into methods from post-colonial south Asian construction and revolutionary mural works.

Prior to taking on digital illustration full time, Firpal worked in the fashion and costume industry. The skills they gained when creating technical drawings of clothing now act as a guiding principle in their work, but it was the covid lockdowns, and using illustration to pass the time that eventually pushed them to pursue their new career. Now, adding yet another string to their bow, Firpal is working on a South Asian science fiction comic, their biggest illustrative work to date and their first time publicly displaying their writing.