UK-based artist Carne Griffiths is back with another captivating project, and this one feels both timeless and refreshingly unique. His series, Icons Painted in Ink and Tea, reimagines some of the most legendary figures of the 20th century using his signature mix of ink, graphite, and—you guessed it—tea. The result is a collection of expressive portraits that blur the line between fine art and experimentation.
This new body of work is part of a planned 52-card deck, with each card celebrating an icon from art, science, politics, music, or film. The first twelve portraits already set the tone, featuring instantly recognizable names like Andy Warhol, Albert Einstein, Amy Winehouse, Kurt Cobain, and Marilyn Monroe. Each figure feels alive in Griffiths’ hands, where delicate ink strokes meet fluid washes of tea, creating a style that is both precise and spontaneous.
What makes Icons Painted in Ink and Tea so striking is Griffiths’ ability to balance control with chaos. The tea-stained tones soften the sharpness of graphite and ink, giving each portrait a dreamlike, almost ethereal quality. It’s a mix that feels as unconventional as the legends he’s portraying.
As the series grows toward a complete 52-card deck, it’s definitely one to keep an eye on. If you’d like to explore more of Carne Griffiths’ portraits and his distinctive approach to ink and tea art, you can check out his website and Instagram for the latest updates.
