Playfully challenging the rules of perspective, Hartwig Braun creates something striking, adventurous and unique - capturing the essence of the city - out of the familiar urban cityscape. While still maintaining a high level of realistic accuracy, the ethos behind the work is all about discovering a new perspective on the urban.

Born in Karlsruhe, Germany, the artist has lived all over Europe in the capitals Amsterdam, Paris, Berlin, now finally settling in London.

His passion for illustration, architecture, the urban landscape and travel is easy to see throughout his work, with many commissions taking him across the globe. New York, Madrid, Barcelona and Bilbao - to depict the famous Guggenheim - have been just some of the iconic cityscapes he has illustrated.

After graduating in 1997 from the internationally renowned TU (Technische Universität) in Berlin, Hartwig embarked on a successful architectural career before deciding in 2005 to focus on his true vocation and spend time developing this newly-found artistic ability.

Since then a full range of products have been developed through the ‘Arty Globe’ venture, alongside an ever-increasing number of commissions including; specially designed ranges of own-brand merchandise for both the Guggenheim Museum (Bilbao) and the British Museum in 2009; an exclusive design and range to celebrate Hamley’s 250th Anniversary year; Battersea and Clapham Junction illustration cover for Wandsworth Council on their Heritage Trails booklet in 2010 – and a soon to be launched product range; as well as a number of other magazine covers and feature illustrations. 

Five of Hartwig's intricate city designs are curated at the British Library map collection. Recognition of the artist’s work has also been given by the Association of Illustrators over two consecutive years in their prestigious annual design publication ‘Images’ – the UK’s leading illustration competition, annual yearbook, awards show, and touring exhibition dedicated to showcasing the very best in contemporary illustration published in the UK.

Greenwich Maritime ‘0 Degrees Longitude’ was chosen to appear in 2010 edition ‘Images 34’ and in 2011 for ‘Images 35’, three designs were selected from the artist’s portfolio of high-profile commissions; Canary Wharf (a striking black and white design created for a magazine cover); the Guggenheim Museum (Bilbao) produced directly for the museum; and Rome Colosseum (again, another commission, this time for Woodmansterne Publications). 

The urban is most definitely in Hartwig’s blood. His fascination with the metropolis is also soon to be shown in an entire series of 12 greeting card illustrations for Woodmansterne Publications, the UK’s leading art card publisher.  ‘Celebrating the Urban’ launches during February 2011 and includes some new images featuring Rome Colosseum, Venice and Wembley Stadium.

With the artist, the familiar can be transformed into something rather unexpected. The spirit of the city can be found in each line and contour, each layer of detail. Always captivating, endlessly fascinating, you will never look at a building and skyline the same way again!

Click here to see and read more about Hartwig on his personal website.