The British graphic designer and illustrator is best known for her works in children’s literature. Her work is comprised of a variety of different colours, textures and scribbles uniquely juxtaposing each other to form one coherent piece. A lot of her wok is collaged giving it a DIY appearance, yet it all blends together in one final art piece where the components aren’t as detachable as it makes seem. Her work collectively encompasses both graphics and illustrations into a final outcome. This playful style mimics the purpose of these creations: children’s stories. Within her art there is an element of fantasy and dreamlike trances. These idealistic worlds she creates with doodles and scribbles of new animals and people are reminiscent of childhood make believe.
The backgrounds of her work are often times found to be cardboard, tracing paper, gridded paper, anything with texture or worth. The characters are then collaged on top of the background, usually a mixture of collaged materials such as magazine clippings. As well she uses paint, chalk and pastels to add definition onto these characters. These figures are people, insects, often times are part human part animal in appearance. Their colours and textures contrast and clash adding to the playful nature of Fanelli’s work. She uses these techniques to create new worlds that perceive different logic and limitations.
Fanelli also uses typography in her work. Using large and little letters to add contrast, often in a random haphazard fashion to mimic her characters and the worlds in which she creates. The writings are quotes or simply just words that add context and depth to her works. The final outcome is one that resembles a scrapbook of ideas and curiosities.
Her work is reminiscent of Salvador Dalí and René Magritte. There is a lot of surrealism evident i n all three artists work as they all create worlds similar yet most unlike our own inhabited by unknown creatures. At first glance Fanelli’s work is disordered and naïve. But upon closer inspection is a marvel. It is innocent and pure, yet it incredibly complex and sophisticated.
