Geometric Cities: Colours and Shapes Used to Represent Places

Something a little bit different today. Meet Xenia, a graphic illustrator who creates fantastic geometric prints of famous cities. Each work is carefully computer-generated to reflect Xenia’s experiences of the place. There’s a few popular attractions thrown in for good measure, too!

Your prints are very eye-catching and geometric. How did this style develop?

I actually spent much time experimenting with styles and techniques before I came to this clean style. I was greatly influenced by the Russian suprematist movement.

Each piece has a predominant colour – how do you choose this? Is it a reflection of the place that’s represented?

I usually try to associate the colors with the mood the city gives me. They are sometimes close to natural colors, weather, precipitation etc.

Talk us through the process you use from start to finish. Do you work from a photograph or sketches that you make on-site?

I make photos on site or use internet photos of the places I liked most. Then I make a composition based on my recollections, associations, fantasies on my Mac. I rarely use pencil sketches but from time to time I can doodle something on paper before using the computer.

What do you think, or what would you like, these prints to say to the viewer? What do you think they convey about they city?

I try to convey my personal impressions of the city, so the choice of the spots is subjective. But some people may have a similar experience.

What inspires your work?

Places, architecture, weather inspires me most.

I’m guessing you travel a fair bit with the range of places depicted in your prints. How does this inspire you? Where has been the most inspirational destination?

In this series I depict only the cities I visited. Not long ago I spent a week in Berlin, I love this city so I may dedicate another series just to Berlin.

Finally, if you could make a series of prints from any place in the world, where would it be and why?

I am totally fond of Holland and Scandinavian countries. I wish I could travel more to make more illustrations of the places that are not so well-known as the capitals. Some northern seaside views, small villages etc. I love sea, water, stones, old paved streets. I live in Saint-Petersburg, it’s really inspiring – may be too inspiring to leave me a bit paralyzed by its beauty!

See more of Xenia’s work here. Follow Wanderarti on Facebook for daily doses of visual vagabonding.