Malika Favre talks SPHERE

Words by
Malika Favre
Photography by
Ferran Nadeu
Illustration by
Malika Favre

8th July 2022

The acclaimed French-born Barcelona-based illustrator is behind the cover of our summer edition. SPHERE is the only luxury magazine worldwide that showcases original commissioned illustration on both the front and back cover, offering an unprecedented showcase of an artist's work. Favre, whose bold, graphic style has been described as 'Pop Art meets OpArt', has seen her work appear everywhere from the cover of The New Yorker to the illustrated Penguin Classic's edition of the Kama Sutra. One of Europe’s most sought after graphic artists she discusses travel inspiration and the paramount importance of sensuality.

Malika Favre Sphere Cover for Summer 2022

What did you want to convey with your first SPHERE cover?
I wanted the cover to convey the warmth of summer and the sensation of sun on your skin. Traveling is my main source of inspiration actually. I love finding myself in new places and looking at my
surroundings with fresh eyes, far away from the hustle and bustle of my urban life.

As someone who has, in their own words, a "filthy French mind", what is sexy for you in 2022?
This is my 20 year old me talking there! My definition of what is sexy is still the same though: sensuality is about what is hidden, hinted at without being fully shown, an unfinished line, a piece of clothing falling on a shoulder or an open back revealing just enough to hint at what is concealed.

You have just republished ARTBOOK - what’s new for the latest edition?
Inside the third edition of my monographs are a bunch of new projects from the past two years as well as two new sections: Fashion and Nature.

Malika Favre French illustrator

What's been your best recent fashion purchase?
I have made an Art swap with Louisa Parris trading illustrations for as many silk dresses. I am obsessed with her bold patterns and flowy silk shapes.

Which artist are you a huge fan of?
Aurore de la Morinerie is still my favourite artist. Her elegant lines and understanding of negative space is nothing short of masterful.

What is your top travel tip?
Anyone should visit Mexico once in their lifetime.

Where should SPHERE readers visit in Barcelona this summer?
Montjuic Parc is a true gem.

When you next go back to London, what do you look forward to doing?
Going to Sadler's Wells to see some mind blowing contemporary dance. It was my ritual when living there and I truly miss it.

What is your next project?
I am currently working on a collection of nude drawings and would love to compile those into a book soon.

What are you looking forward to doing this summer?
What my character is doing on your cover. Laying by the pool with my friends while soaking some sun.

Buy the Summer issue of SPHERE at spherelife.com/buy-sphere-magazine