French graphic artist Aurélia Durand is known for her colorful illustrations, engaging in a vibrant celebration of diversity. Born and raised in Paris, from the age of seven to twelve years, Durand lived with her parents in a French island called Réunion which, located near Madagascar and Mauritius – the culture of which is influenced by France, Africa, India, and China.
“I was surrounded by lots of colors and flavors,” shared Durand in an interview with Ballpitmag. “I was living in a place where different communities accept each other.” According to Durand, this childhood experience shaped her philosophy, and later – her creative work. “Today it inspires me in my creation,” she says, “I want to bring colors to the front and tell stories to inspire people to accept each other.”
Indeed, most of Durand’s work is dedicated to the representation of Afro-descendants. Those are represented in joyful colors and empowering compositions. “My universe reflects where I come from,” says Durand of her work, “and I want to celebrate my origins through my illustrations.”
“I want to deliver a colorful and positive message and create awareness about being a woman of color and mixed race,” she adds. But aside from being powerful, her work has also commercial appeal and has attracted brands like Adobe, Facebook, Instagram, and Tinder, all of which have collaborated with Durand.
“Art is every day in my life,” she says. “I love seeing new artist story and read what they do and why. I like seeing someone else interpretation of the world through visuals and words, it makes me travel.” Show her some love on Instagram.
