Ralph Lazar
Ralph Lazar | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1967 Johannesburg, South Africa |
| Occupation(s) | Artist, illustrator, author |
| Known for | New York Times Bestselling writer; illustration projects including Happiness Is, Harold's Planet, Vimrod, The Brainwaves, and Total Mayhem |
| Spouse | Lisa Swerling |
| Website | ralphlazar |
Ralph Lazar (born 1967) is an accomplished artist, illustrator, and author recognized as a New York Times Bestselling writer.
Life
Originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, Lazar earned academic qualifications in law and economics from both the University of Cape Town and the London School of Economics. His professional background includes roles at Goldman Sachs and Credit Suisse. He resides in London with his spouse, artist Lisa Swerling.
Art
Lazar’s artistic creations predominantly address themes related to international politics, with an emphasis on contemporary US issues, race relations, the history of US Presidents, the US Supreme Court, and the US Constitution. His artworks are produced concurrently with unfolding news events and have been showcased at prominent exhibitions such as Art Basel Miami, The LA Art Show, Art Palm Springs, and Art Market San Francisco. In early 2020, his art was displayed on 1,700 digital screens operated by LinkNYC throughout New York City.
Illustration and writing
In collaboration with his wife Lisa Swerling, Lazar is recognized for illustration projects including Happiness Is, Harold's Planet, Vimrod, The Brainwaves, and Total Mayhem. The book Happiness Is was initially released by Chronicle Books and has been translated into 20 languages. Their works Harold's Planet and Vimrod are published by Penguin Books, HarperCollins, and Andrews McMeel, collectively selling millions of greeting cards. The Brainwaves appear in children’s educational books from Dorling Kindersley, available in 22 different languages.
The children's illustrated series Total Mayhem (previously known as Dash Candoo) began publication through Scholastic in August 2021, followed by a subsequent series accessible via Amazon. From 2006 to 2009, their illustrations were featured weekly in both The Financial Times and The Scotsman. Together they authored Me Without You, which earned a spot on the New York Times Bestseller List in March 2015.
Their accolades include The Royal Society Prizes for Science Books (2007, 2008), the Grand Prix at the Annecy International Animated Film Festival (1998), The Washington Post Book of the Week (April 2007), and the US Parents' Choice Award (2006, 2009).