The New Yorker & Ilonka Karasz

Week 16 is Jade, Primrose, Vermilion and Purple Grey (+ a colour mixing demo)

When I research for artists to feature in the weekly prompts I sometimes fall down a rabbit hole and discover artists that are completely new to me. This week is one of them, and I am delighted to tell you more about a remarkable, talented 20th century female artist and designer, Ilonka Karasz (1896-1981). Probably most recognised for her New Yorker magazine cover illustrations, these were just one facet of her work. Over her career she produced paintings and illustrations, textiles, wallpapers, silverware and ceramics often working alongside her sister, the fashion designer Mariska Karasz. One of the few women working in this space at the time, Karasz helped introduce modern design to America in the 1920s and 1930s.