For the majority of his illustration career, Canadian artist Randy Ortiz (first covered here) has drawn images in a graphic style with a surrealistic quality. His love for screen printing and movie posters is apparent in his limited, yet colorful palette, and portrayal of creatures who seem to transform with their surroundings. Among his latest inspirations are artists James Jean or Joao Ruas, who also merge surreal forms of nature with reality in their art. Recently, Ortiz’s personal work has leaned in this more emotive direction. His series of portraits, faithfully reproduced from his concept drawings, incorporate more natural elements with expressive, abstract layering. Ortiz fragments the faces of his subjects, whether man or animals like birds and lions, into multiple geometrical parts beyond recognition. There is a particular focus on the eyes as well, which seem to be the most multiplied feature. His narrative has always focused more on the unfolding of drama and these pieces do the same with new energy.
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New Zealander 
Following the release of his Fantagraphics book with portraits of all 44 U.S. presidents, illustrator Drew Friedman brings his satirical, “warts-and-all” style to Ohio State University’s Friends of the Libraries Gallery at Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum. In addition to his book illustrations, the exhibition also features his other presidential-themed works over the years, like the magazine cover above.