Magical mystery tour of Chris Pell's line-drawn fantasy worlds

In 2009, we featured Chris Pell in our Graduate feature, and since then, he has continued to produce very impressive work. Literally drawing on a strong interest in early human civilisation and fantasy worlds, the Brighton graduate creates visually compelling compositions and landscapes filled with all sorts of strange beings and goings-on. There is a sense of the mythological in his work, with beasts, hybrids, and monstrous-looking individuals cropping up time and again – along with allusions to tribal ritual.

Executing his images with a keen use of the line, his work communicates a sense of precision and detail that reminds us of the power of hand-drawn methods – and this, combined with clear-cut influence from traditional Japanese prints and more recent animation, makes for a powerful concoction. Check out his biro drawings – ballpoint pen has never looked so mystical!