What does Illustration mean?

"As our visual language evolves, the playing field is levelling. Graphic designers, sculptors, painters, creative developers, and even musicians amorphously meander across different parts of our creative industries. As a consequence, I often wonder what the term 'Illustration' now means. Maybe as a medium it might need to do more than vocationalise aesthetics and cultivate a border palate of profundity for its own survival." -Michael Salu

Traditionally, illustration is thought of as the profession of producing art to accompany text in the context of books, usually drawn or painted. Although this is correct and often the case, it constitutes only a part of what the field entails, the boundaries for which are seemingly constantly changing. Illustration as a word is derived from the term 'enlighten', or to cast light upon, and reflects the role of imagery that comes under the term to compliment and enhance the content of the text it accompanies- the term does not specify or limit the media or format in which this purpose is served, and so I would argue that illustration is really just an umbrella term which encompasses the works of the above mentioned graphic designers, sculptors and painters...etc, despite what is usually assumed. It is the purpose that defines illustration, not the form of aesthetic. Therefore, while the purpose of illustration isn't changing, the number of possibilities for its application IS. This is a result of rapidly advancing technology, opening up possibilities like moving and/or interactive illustrations for apps or digital articles for example. Illustration has often been a platform for the delivery of social and political commentary in addition to more commercial applications, often by the artist themselves- this idea of having a 'voice' is also a key aspect that remains unchanged (if not potentially enhanced) by the recent developments.

In terms of my own work, I have been increasingly interested in working with photography, as I believe that is where my strengths reside. I'm currently looking to incorporate it into my illustration work, while also continuing them both separately in their more conventional forms along side each-other. There's a whole spectrum of ways in which photography can be brought into the field of illustration, meaning lots of room for experimentation. I also believe that works of both conceptual value and pure aesthetics have their place within illustration.

I don't believe that there's any call for replacing the term 'illustration', as it still means the same as it always has- it's the general understanding of its meaning that needs to be changed, or 'enlightened'. I believe the reason for its validity as a term being recently questioned purely stems from the natural and logical adaptation to accommodate for new technology- something that has made obvious the pre-existing span of specialisations that can and have contributed to the discipline. In my opinion, a little less focus on definitions, divisions and genres in general removes a lot of restraints inadvertently placed on creatives by others and themselves. Hybridity, versatility and transcendence of boundaries is surely only a good thing.