Meet VICON, an artist whose distinctive drawings go far beyond her sketchbook.
Known as VICON, Swiss-born, London-based artist Victoria Boissonnas explores her instincts by losing herself in the creative process. Traveling through her emotional landscapes, the role of the body envelope and what it means to be a human being. VICON's work may seem light on the surface, but it is much deeper than it appears when you look twice.
She is a versatile artist who expresses herself through illustration, although her motifs can be found in many other media such as murals and photography projects. She also produces live shows and creates videos. For her, as long as it serves the narrative, any medium is good to take. We sat down with VICON to talk about the intersection of her work with the world of fashion and to understand what drives her to take on the unknown.
VICON - Questions/Answers
Victoria, first of all, thank you for agreeing to chat with us about your creative process. We're excited to share your story (and your neon) with our readers.
How would you describe your art practice in physical terms - medium, size, texture?
A simple black BIC pen and a sheet of paper are often all I need to design my illustrations. Nevertheless, my curiosity is endless. I like to leave my comfort zone and discover how my line meets different materials and textures.
Custom neon for @vicon Photo @sagar_gaut
How would you describe your artistic practice in conceptual terms?
I use the single line technique to explore an emotional, instinctive universe. Through my drawings, I allow myself to let go and enter a kind of meditative state where I elaborate and discover new compositions. When I build a visual project, it is essential for me to work on subjects that are close to my heart. In addition to my recurring theme of the body envelope, I often work on the concept of being a woman in our society - the female body and all the ingrained stereotypes that go with it. The creative process has become a crucial need in my daily life. I use it as a tool to portray my vision of our society, but also to explore the intriguing questions of existence on this earth.
I see that you are a bit of a polymath. Do you have a favorite medium? What do you like about it?
One of my favorite things to do to completely abandon the logical side of my brain is to let myself be guided only by the line. I take a pen in each hand and draw with both hands at the same time. I find this very relaxing and a great way to explore a more instinctive aspect of my creative process.
Do you ever use a casual mode of expression to address difficult or important issues?
Through my illustrations, I expose a very personal part of myself. I believe it is the fact that they can be seen as playful and light-hearted that makes them special. They allow the viewer to simply contemplate and enjoy the lines and colors, but they also provide an opportunity to explore further and take a moment to reflect on the personal meaning behind each work.
Tell us about your projection series. How does the use of light affect the effect of your illustrations?
The fusion of opposing universes has always punctuated my creative research. I worked with a scientist to understand the general functioning of the brain and the emotions that each human being has to manage on a daily basis. I wanted to create a visual representation of the complex relationship between the body and the mind using colors, shapes and scales. I projected my illustrations onto a human face in a photoshoot to create a striking visual that brought together my explorations
What inspired your neon yellowpop? How did your creative process unfold?
As I was drawing in my notebook, this shape suddenly came to me and I felt I wanted to take it to another level. After modifying the drawing, I thought these lines would work perfectly with the neon lights.
Custom neon for @vicon Photo @sagar_gaut
How did you get into the fashion world? How does it feel to have your work walk on someone's back?
In the past, I have screen printed some of my designs on various garments. However, the first time I saw my work on a real garment was in a collaborative collection with Elise Testot, a French designer based in Paris. Merging our creative worlds, we created a unique, handmade capsule collection using my illustrations as textile embellishments to bring a visual rhythm to the collection. It was really moving to see something so personal projected at this level of exhibition.
I see you've worked on murals, interior decorations, and just about any surface you can make your mark on. Do you have a lot of fun drawing and painting on walls?
Stepping out of my comfort zone is something crucial for my creative development. My first mural was painted in a club in my hometown, Geneva. After that project, I was asked to create murals in different public places. It's always an interesting experience to get out of the notebook and take my creations to a larger scale. I am regularly looking for new projects like these, as they allow me to test different compositions and learn new techniques.
If you could share your work with an artist (living or dead), who do you think would appreciate it?
The main artist that has guided my work since I started drawing is Egon Schiele. In his paintings, he questions similar subjects. I would be curious to know his point of view on my perception of the human body. But I would also like to show my work to the talented actress, writer and producer Phoebe Waller-Bridge. I admire her feminine power, strength and non-conformist achievements.
Do you have any recommendations for podcasts, books, blogs or your next Netflix episode?
Tale Tellers by Nancy Huston is a book that has been with me since I read it 8 years ago. It has changed my perception of human existence and inspired me throughout my creative projects.
In another register, I would also recommend the illustrated book called Bliss Club written by Jüne Pla. This graphic manual is a reference for visual innovations around the theme of pleasure and sexual freedom.
That's about it. Thank you! Is there anything new or exciting coming up in your life or creative practice that you'd like to share?
I am officially launching my brand this summer with the inauguration of my e-commerce platform! VICON will be an illustration-based brand created by a female artist that promotes easy access to art-infused products, while highlighting small-scale artisan makers. I'm actively looking for people to collaborate with on new projects in the near future, so don't hesitate to contact me!
Custom neon for @vicon Photo @sagar_gaut