Magazine / Arts / London

Anna Higgie Interview

A clash of cultures, sort of

Written by James Read / 29 Jan 2008

Culture Poster by Anna Higgie

Anna Higgie is the name behind our current Culture poster. Previous to the development of her cartographic portrait style, she went to the National Art School in Sydney, where she did a degree in Painting, before coming to London to study Illustration and Typographic Design at the London College of Communication. Before winning our poster competition, her previous career highlights included work for Dazed & Confused, Placed, Anthem, Plan B and Grafuck.

GGGirl by Anna Higgie

What does your piece tell us about culture?

This is a portrait of a man with a map all over his face. He is covered in his country, the roads he has travelled and his culture.

James Graham by Anna Higgie

I think I noticed a town resembling your last name on the map.

 

I just found the map on Google Images. I think it's an old map of somewhere in America. The typography and colours were really beautiful, but the Higginsville bit was really just a coincidence.

 

Kelis by Anna Higgie

Having studied typographic design, maybe you could share with us your most hated well-known fonts? Mine's Papyrus! I've vowed never to eat in another Thai restaurant that uses it for their signage.

 

CurlzMTis hideous beyond all belief. It actually makes me feel a bit ill. I also find Copperplate Gothic pretty depressing.

Lipman by Anna Higgie

You went to Berlin earlier this month to do some commissioned panels in a club, right? How was that?

 

It was really hard work. I only had about four days to finish six ten-foot-high panels. The weather was so gorgeous in Berlin all week, but during the day I was stuck inside a stuffy, smoky nightclub making these massive, awkward drawings. It was definitely worth it in the end though. They looked fantastic when they were hung up for the opening night.

 

Brooke by Anna Higgie

You used to live in Australia. How have you found British culture in comparison? Rich Tea vs Tim Tams?

Well my dad is Australian and my mum is English, so I'm a bit mixed up really. I think once you get past all the stereotypes, the two cultures are really very similar. Australia is just like England but with more space and better weather.

 

Audrey Melting by Anna Higgie

What's your favourite piece of your own work, and why?

This picture is of Audrey Horne from Twin Peaks, my favourite TV show. I am re-watching the whole series at the moment. Audrey is one of my favourite characters on the show, apart from Agent Cooper of course. She is so beautiful. I did this drawing a few years ago, after I finished at Art School.

See more of Anna’s work at her website (www.annahiggie.com), and pick up a copy of her poster for free in our packs right now at these outlets and events. If there aren’t any pack dispensers near you, you’ll be able to buy it on our website shortly.

WIN
Groove Odyssey
Soundcrash Warehouse Party
Hop Farm - Create the Gate
 
 
Wiggle @ Paramount
Eastern Electrics Festival 2012
Rock of Ages
 
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