Illustrator captures everyday Kerala life in award-nominated portrait series

Illustrator Mohammed Sajid has created a portrait series spotlighting the everyday faces of Kerala's streets, earning a nomination at the AOI World Illustration Awards 2026. The series features fish sellers, flower vendors, postmen and other familiar figures who form the backbone of Kerala's daily life and commerce.

Sajid's work brings visibility to ordinary people often overlooked in mainstream art, reimagining their stories through detailed illustration. The nomination recognises the artist's effort to document and celebrate the diverse characters that define Kerala's urban and street landscapes.