Morung Express News
Kohima | October 2
At 13 years of age, Supolepden (Supo) Kichu is a self taught figurative and fashion illustrator whose amazing talent of illustration, is hard to ignore. “I started drawing ever since I learnt how to hold a crayon in my hand!” says Kichu.
Illustration is a decorative visual art form; an art form many in Nagaland are yet to delve into, which is perhaps the reason why talented illustrators like Kichu are yet to gain recognition.
Kichu’s portfolio mostly focuses on Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show with all of his works sold out in days at a minimum rate. When asked about his obsession over Victoria’s Secret, Kichu mentions that his first impression of the show was quite the contrary. When he was in class 3, he saw the show for the first time and found it ‘the dumbest fashion show ever’ but after watching reruns of the show, he realized that the show was really creative, and slowly developed his interest.
Kichu’s images are mostly done with markers, color pencils, pastels and water colors. Some of his art works, especially his illustrations of the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, are digitized and edited for a fresh look through Photoshop. Although he has not undergone any training or classes on art, Kichu says the internet has helped him learn more about illustrations. He is of the view that his generation is fortunate to be born in the age of internet and social media which should be taken advantage for one’s own positive growth.
What stands out in Kichu’s illustrations is the way he pays careful attention to detail, which he says is the best part of illustrating. His love for colors is clear in all his works entertaining drawings of varied hues. “I love giving details. I have the determination to do my best in what I love whether it is wrong or right and I love experimenting new things. I give so much effort to my works- it is a piece of my lifestyle,” says Supo who prefers using color pencils because color pencils were his first tools for drawing, and he feels most experienced with them.
When asked what inspires him the most, Kichu is quick to reply that his family, friends and Victoria’s Secret are what inspire him the most. His parents have been very supportive of his ambition, and his dreams of becoming an illustrator in New York. Kichu tries to balance his interest with his studies and still maintains good grades in school.
Besides illustrations, Supo is interested in music and environmentalism. He takes violin classes from the ‘School of Rock’ and does his bit as an environmentalist by reducing his carbon footprints in most of his daily chores.
“My friends ask me what I am going to be. I tell them I am going to New York. I want to be an illustrator in New York City,” says Supo.
Supo is currently studying in Class 7 in Fernwood School and lives with his parents and an elder brother at Upper Agri Colony, Kohima.
To see more of Kichu’s illustrations, you can view his Facebook page by the name Supo Kichu’s Illustrations.
*Illustrations have been temporarily removed pending further confirmation.