Faculty of Design

Illustration

Ivy He

Mystery Zodiac

"Mystery Zodiac" is a ten-piece editorial illustration series that aims to show the depths of each zodiac sign, departing from conventional perceptions of stars and occult practices. The project draws inspiration from real-life, historical and modern figures and events, combining weather terminology and legends to show unexpected storylines beyond general expectations. By using specific events and personalities, the series sheds light on the different aspects of each zodiac sign, presenting a nuanced exploration beyond the common positive personalities with astrology already known by the public.

“Aries: Queen Isabella of Spain who started the war for the crown and killed or banished anyone who didn't listen to her orders.Taurus: Even though Anne Boleyn was the most famous of Henry VIII's six wives, she was killed because of the crime of treasonshe and cheated on her husband.Gemini: The double faced mayor Michael Applebaum who scammed others for his own good.Cancer: Writer Kelly Link who loves telling ghost stories to others.Leo: A noble family member Elizabeth Bathory who killed young girls for seeking eternal youth.Virgo: Aubrey Beardsley used his grotesque and decadent, as well as the discussion of life and death theme to go opposite from the style at his period of time.Libra: The first emperor of the Qin dynasty’s son Fusu was framed by the traitors who gave him a fake order.Scorpio: A schizophrenia movie star Veronica Lake who replaces her real self with the character she plays.Sagittarius: Britney Spears showing a variety of different personalities in her songs to hide her tragic life.Capricorn: The writer Zhimo Xu who has different personalities in different relationships.”