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‘London works based on what your potential is and how ambitious your ideas are.’
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Malika Favre is a French artist who has lived in London for 13 years, and in that time her work has found its way into the culture, capturing a mix of charm and power with its blend of French and English influences.
Among her successes are high-profile covers for the New Yorker on topics like women in tech, the images often going viral. On June 24, 2018 Malika was invited to create the cover of Arab News to celebrate the end of Saudi Arabia's ban on women driving — a critical moment for women's rights. We spoke to her about creative life in London, her inside tips for the city and a new adventure.
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On where you’re from
I grew up in the suburbs of Paris.
On why you moved to London
I came here for the adventure, thinking I would stay a year. I never went back.
On where you live in London
I live in London Fields in East London. I have always lived east somehow. I just love the arty vibe and vibrancy of Hackney.
On a new phrase you’ve learned in London
There are so many words that can’t be translated here. ‘Tantrum’ and ‘good egg’ are amongst my favorite words. I find those very charming.
Above: 'The Butterfly Effect', New Yorker anniversary issue 2018 re-interpreting The New Yorkers first cover of Eustice Tilley as a woman. Below: 'Coding 101' cover on the topic of women in tech.
On your relationship with London
A passionate one, and often a love-hate relationship. London is as incredible as it can be tough and difficult. The good sides outweighed the flaws for 13 years.
On how London has influenced your work
London had a huge influence on my work as an illustrator. It made me even. I don’t think I would be where I am today without London and the people I met along the way. There are also a lot of French influences in what I do, so I guess my work is a reflection of both places.
A passionate and often a love-hate relationship. London is as incredible as it can be tough and difficult. The good sides outweighed the flaws for 13 years.
On creativity and life abroad
The best thing about leaving your home country is getting out of your comfort zone. You realize how much of yourself and your way of looking at the world comes from your own culture, and questioning those can only be a positive thing. It opens you up to other things, people, and often makes you less judgmental and more open in general.
On creative inspiration in London
When I arrived I used to go out a lot to the Barbican — the canal side — and walk around Shoreditch; go to immersive theatre experiences, exhibitions at the Tate or White Cube. Today I leave London to find my inspiration. I go to South America, Asia or anywhere else in the world where I can see colors.
The cover of Arab News newspaper on June 24th 2018, marking the end to a ban on women driving in Saudi Arabia and a national call to 'start your engines'.
On your favourite London event
Summer is an event in itself. Barbecues, parks, people walking around half-naked… summer feels like a festival. This is the best time to be in London.
On something to know moving to London
That everything is possible here. The city doesn’t work based on who you know and who you are but rather on what your potential is and how ambitious and valid your ideas are. It can be as rewarding as it can be hard. But it is worth it when you have the energy for it. It is not everyone’s ‘cup of tea’.
Everything is possible here. The city doesn't work based on who you know and who you are but rather in what your potential is and how ambitious and valid your ideas are.
On a project you’re excited about
I am actually moving away from London to Barcelona after 13 years. This is my next big project and I am very excited. London was the perfect place for me to grow and become an artist. Today I can work from anywhere, and the sun is calling me.
On your favourite gallery
The Tate Modern. I just love the Brutalist architecture and the Turbine Hall.
Above: 'Lucky Hands', a collaboration with fashion designer Alice Balas. Below: Artworks for Montreaux Jazz Festival and 'Office Supplies' personal work in Malika's London flat.
On good food
Moro in Exmouth Market is delicious. There are too many great restaurants to mention.
On something from France you need a fix of in London
I often need my fix of cheese and wine, so I go to Broadway Market for both. L’Eau à la Bouche has some great French cheeses, E5 bakery provides the bread, and wine can be found everywhere!
On the London tube or bus
The bus, always. Sitting on the top floor looking at people walking by.
On window seat or aisle
Definitely window.
Iconic New Yorker cover, 'Operating table', which has since been imitated by teams of surgeons around the world. Artwork by Malika Favre.
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