Montreal artist creates digital work impressed by Black ladies and tradition

Rising up, artist Sylvine Maliko did not all the time see herself mirrored within the artwork and media she consumed.

Now a budding artist, she’s a on mission to alter that. 

“I believe after I was youthful, I wasn’t actually seeing plenty of illustration or issues that I [could] relate to, so I began expressing it by my artwork,” she stated. “I am Black. Seeing different Black illustration is vital. So I used to be identical to, let’s simply do it.”

At simply 24 years outdated, Maliko, often known as Smard.artwork, is a full-time artist with a whole bunch of 1000’s of on-line followers and sponsorships from manufacturers like Nike and Coca-Cola.

Her vivid digital work are impressed by Black ladies and Black tradition, typically spotlighting particulars like hair, sneakers and palms.

“It is folks on social media, it is my household, pals, me — I can use myself as a muse,” Maliko instructed CTV Information. “I get impressed by folks usually, the Black group usually.”

Through Smard.artwork on Instagram

Maliko’s message is that “Black is gorgeous,” in all of its types.

“Totally different physique varieties, completely different shades, completely different hairstyles — I actually need folks to narrate to it, see it and be like ‘oh, that appears like me.'”

Along with honing her artwork fashion through the years, Maliko has mastered the artwork of social media.

She’s discovered specific success on Tik Tok, the place she’s amassed over 190,000 followers and a couple of.2 million likes.

Her prints now grace the partitions of consumers throughout North America, and can quickly hit the cabinets of brick-and-mortar shops at two Ottawa malls.

“I am very proud. I by no means would have believed what’s occurring to me proper now,” she stated. “I by no means thought it was attainable to turn into a full-time artist and reside off it, particularly when it is actually only one [niche].”

Through Smard.artwork on Instagram

Up to now, Maliko has puzzled if this area of interest would maintain her again. However immediately, she has no regrets.

“There was plenty of confusion in my head. However on the finish of the day, I am making artwork for me. I am making artwork for the folks I need to signify. I would like my artwork to have an effect, and I would like it to return from my coronary heart.”