Xaviera Altena’s work adapts 90s pop references and vibrant hues to explore modern day issues

Rotterdam-based illustrator Xaviera Altena has developed a style that encompasses bold linework, poppy colours and sparse details. Xaviera references modern day issues and news stories in her work, combining them with 90s pop culture influences for a fresh approach to topical illustrations.

Throughout her work we see pieces that tackle themes such as feminism, social movements, politics and the everyday. She’s had several commissions from De Correspondent, City Guide, and Rotterdampas magazine, yet it’s her personal work that really drew us in.

With fruity shades like raspberry pinks and lemon yellows, there’s a joy and freshness to each of Xaviera’s illustrations that mainly focus on the female form. Her clean linework brings everything together and there’s a consistent style of character appearing throughout her portfolio. Her small, simple faces are cute but contrasted with large limbs and vivid clothes that remind us distantly of Laura Callaghan’s bodacious work. Communicative with a touch of humour, Xaviera even manages to make a half eaten banana, a can of pop and bumbag look new and exciting.