How Eddie White Jr. Drew His Way Into a New Life in Colombia
Australian illustrator Eddie White packed a small suitcase for what he thought would be a four-day visit to Cartagena. Then the film festival he had come to see was canceled, the city fell quiet, and he found himself far from home with no clear date for leaving. The months that followed were not the beginning […]
Eddie White Jr., an Australian illustrator, embarked on an unexpected journey to Colombia that transformed his life and work. Initially planning a four-day visit to Cartagena during the pandemic, White's trip extended indefinitely due to a canceled film festival. The months of solitude allowed him to immerse himself in the city's everyday details, from food and colors to expressions and character.
This newfound perspective gave birth to his artistic career in Colombia, where he became known for his illustrations that capture the essence of Colombian life. White's journey began long before this pandemic detour when he founded The People’s Republic of Animation with friends at age 13. Though his animation company faced challenges in Hollywood, White's passion for drawing persisted.
After his experience in Colombia, he developed "Caldo de ojo: 100 dichos y palabras colombianas," an illustrated book pairing local phrases with English and Spanish explanations. Through his art, White seeks to bridge cultural gaps and offer a unique view of Colombia, traveling across the country to document its diverse regions and people.
His latest project, "Neotropico," aims to blend his filmmaking background with the vibrant culture he has come to love.
Written by urgent.news from Colombia One's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.