A maker of art books and graphic novels, Joakim Drescher (1986) creates eclectic tales that blend surreal storytelling and graphics and stem from diverse influences such as the work of his dad, Henrik Drescher, alternative comics, the music of 80’s America, and the work of French surreal illustrators. The books and comics come in many forms and touch many themes but are always recognizably set in his own style.
The universe is broad with bizarre characters and creatures in strange and absurd situations and yet, these far-out constellations are always within reach of something relatable. Joakim’s drawings show a sublime attention to detail, line and colour but, at the same time, feel coarsely intuitive and carefree, echoing the approach to his work. In the words of the artist: ”I like to keep my work as loose as possible and keep things open for myself to pluck whatever the ether has to offer me. I also like the human touch you get from working with, say, watercolour. Computers are too clean. No accidents, no mistakes.”
Above text was edited from the original by Blaa Gallery (https://blaa.gallery/joakimdrescher/).
If you would like to learn more about Joakim’s process of creating artworks, head over here: https://www.itsnicethat.com/articles/joakim-drescher-motel-universe-illustration-270319
ABOUT ARTIST / Joakim Drescher was born in Denmark but his family moved from place to place, from upstate New York to Berkeley, California, then to Bali, Indonesia, before settling for most of his young life between Yunnan, China, and Auckland, New Zealand. He comes from a family of artists and illustrators and is the son of artists Lauren and Henrik Drescher and elder brother of artists Sofia and Emile Drescher. He studied fine arts in Amsterdam at the Gerrit Rietveld Academy before returning to Copenhagen, Denmark, where he now lives and works. He is best known for his books in the Motel Universe series and for his music. (soundcloud.com/joakimdrescher)
