Erin Leigh Woods- MA Illustration
Translating Humanity: An Ideal Vision for Global Connection
My practice explores how illustration and visual art can communicate across cultural, linguistic and ideological differences. I am particularly interested in the ways people find common ground through shared experiences, gestures, symbols and everyday interactions.
My recent project, Translating Humanity: Art as a Universal Language, investigates whether visual art can act as an accessible form of communication beyond spoken and written language. Beginning with questions around division, polarisation and the barriers created by language and culture, I explored what might connect people rather than separate them. Through systematic doubt and visual experimentation, I developed a visual language built around collective figures, gesture, repetition, pattern and shared activities.
My work draws from illustration, graphic design and socially engaged art, combining digital processes with hand-drawn elements and expressive colour. I am interested in taking illustration beyond traditional formats, considering how images can exist within public spaces.
