The Art of Carolina Haraki
'Inky Oceans', 'Mammalia', 'Insect World' and now, 'Quarantine Goddess'
From the safety of a quiet Edinburgh home, cultures are colliding as the colours of the Eastern Mediterranean come crashing into the city. The rooms we have become too accustomed to over the past month begin to transform and new landscapes are explored as one artist discovers just how colourful a life under lock and key can be. Whether it is the simple art of sitting down and enjoying a book or taking the time to carefully water each of the plants, Edinburgh based artist Carolina Haraki is discovering the brighter side of isolation through her aptly named illustrations series, ‘Quarantine Goddess’.
The University of Edinburgh Illustration graduate has been brightening up the social media feeds of her followers through a series inspired by the daily tasks undergone by her audience whilst being home bound, ‘I have been asking people on Instagram what their highlight of their day in quarantine is and I have received many contributions and a diverse range of answers.’. Carolina says the project has been well received and is humbled with the comments and compliments that have come her way and say’s,
‘People’s support is always the greatest satisfaction to me.’
For Carolina, like most of us, the past few weeks in lockdown have been difficult to process but the ‘Quarantine Goddess’ series has given her something to look forward to each day as she hope to inspire more people to continue to stay positive during this period of isolation, ‘I am hoping that ‘Quarantine Goddess’ will make people feel inspired to appreciate simple, daily activities, such as going for walks, trying out new recipes and many others, as well as let them know that they are not in this alone.’. It is the interactive nature of the project which has been one of the most important aspects of the series for Carolina, ‘so many people have been involved in it and it is a shared experience in a way.’
Carolina Haraki, creator of 'Quarantine Queen'
By Carolina Haraki
Brightening up social media during lockdown
'I think I got my sense of colour from Cyprus'
The 22-year-old artist grew up on ‘the sunny island of Cyprus’ before relocating to the Scottish capital. However, the rich Cypriot culture and heritage in Carolina remains present embodying itself in the young illustrator’s work, ‘I think I got my sense of colour from Cyprus, my home. It is a very vibrant, warm, sunny and bright place which I keep very close to my heart.’ Carolina is no stranger to colour with her bold use of it bringing each piece of her work to life. As she yearns for the warm sands of island life, she believes the cobbled Edinburgh streets have further emphasised her strong approach, ‘Since moving to Edinburgh, my use of colour has become even more exaggerated, perhaps because I miss the sun and the light blue ocean a little bit more.’
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By Carolina Harakii
By Carolina Haraki
Finding inspiration from 17th century Hungarian embroideries and cultural artefacts, Carolina injects an element of modernisation into typically traditional styles whilst subject matter is derived from the world around her and modern culture, ‘I also find inspiration from everyday situations and modern times…Wildlife and the natural world have always been an inspiration to me, as well as Wes Anderson films, the Grand Budapest Hotel in particular.’ Through her work, Carolina highlights important issues demanding that the attention of her viewers is directed towards the problems we face in the current climate. ‘I feel very strongly about the diversity of wildlife. My
Endangered species’ series of three scarves celebrates the beauty of nature but at the same time, explores the catastrophic effects that climate change and human factors have on species and the environment. ‘Insect World’ is about habitat loss, ‘Inky Oceans’ depicts fish that are threatened by oil spills and water pollution and lastly, ‘Mammalia,’ illustrates endangered species that are threatened by military unrest.’ Using art and illustration is an outlet for Carolina saying that ‘sometimes reflecting through drawing helps me process difficult situations’
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Carolina’s work puts heavy emphasis on the varying animal kingdoms. The fish illustrations from the ‘Inky Oceans’ collection feature a wide range of our underwater counterparts as the movement of the crustaceans and fish fluidly form against oil spill inspired backgrounds. The ‘Insect World’ series encapsulates a miniscule world we do not usually see the details of allowing the viewer to fully appreciate the intricates of the natural world. Carolinas animal art is undoubtably beautiful and elegant, however, the young artist approach to human illustration is just as unique and engaging. ‘I love drawing female characters because I can relate to them and understand where they are coming from, I empathise with their stories. I believe that if I do, then many other women out there will too.’ Carolina says
nky Oceans, By Carolina Haraki
'Insect World', By Carolina Haraki
that ‘It is important to me for my work to be relatable’, preferring to draw a realistic version of female bodies full of gorgeous curvature and cultural diversity, ‘I want to portray diversity through my drawings but also a body positive message about curves, which I believe should be celebrated and embraced.’
'I love drawing female characters because I can relate to them...I want to portray diversity through my drawings but also a body positive message about curves'
With this young artists, ‘’more is more’ attitude’ and love of ‘elaborate patterns and vibrant colours.’, it is going to be interesting to see where her work takes her. Beginning with a Masters in textiles at the Royal College of Art in September, she hopes to one day own her own printed textiles brand. 'I think that this experience will offer me a fluency in the language of printed textiles that will open new doors for my creative practice.’ The future looks bright for Carolina as she continues to ‘push my practice in new directions, to expand my visual language and find creative ways to enrich my approach towards image-making.’. For just now, Carolina carries on with the ‘Quarantine Goddess’ series as her work continues to add a bit of positivity to her follower’s day. As for herself, she is ‘Ever evolving…’
Follow Carolina HERE
By Carolina Haraki
