AORISTS is the pseudonym of Anshika Khullar, an Indian, non-binary transgender illustrator based in Southampton, England, whose bold and vibrant work is packed full of visual metaphors and largely character-driven.

 

Entirely self-taught, Anshika has a focused interest in intersectional feminist narratives, a study which has invariably informed their art practice, with illustrations that are colourful and detail-oriented. Their work often tackles socio-political themes that inform their own identity such as queerness, body neutrality, the experience of belonging to the South Asian diaspora, being an immigrant and child of two cultures, as well as overarching explorations of mental illness and trauma– all through thoughtfully placed imagery and visual easter eggs.

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They are an ALA Stonewall Book Award winner, Renaissance Accelerated Reader Award winner, and CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal longlist nominee for their work on the cover and interiors of YA novel The Black Flamingo (by Dean Atta, published by Hachette UK).

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Their colouring and activity book, Color Me Queer (published by Potter Gift), was released in May of 2022, in the run up to Pride season.

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In addition to editorial and literary projects, Anshika has appeared as a guest speaker on panels at London Illustration Fair and House of Illustration; created video content for Tate on both their social channels and as part of Uniqlo Tate Lates: Night In; and produced work exhibited in a group show hosted by Parliament Tattoo x Courtney Love/Hole.

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Anshika is available for projects of various kinds, including but not limited to literary work, spot illustrations, editorial commissions, and brand collaborations.

 

Please don't hesitate to get in touch with them regarding any queries or potential projects you may have in mind! You can do this best by emailing them at anshikakhullar@hotmail.co.uk 

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Contact: Email / Instagram / Twitter / Facebook 

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