Illustrating Human Rights: How Art Gave Voice at the Oslo Freedom Forum
For more than 15 years, the Oslo Freedom Forum (HRF) has stood as one of the most important stages in the world for human rights. Every year, it brings together activists, journalists, artists, and political leaders whose voices spark global conversations and drive real change.
This year 2025, Illustria was invited to help shape the Forum’s visual identity. It was an honor, but also a challenge. HRF has always faced the same problem: gathering speakers from every corner of the world means dealing with photos of uneven quality. Some images are low resolution, others come with poor lighting or very different styles. For an event that values excellence and visibility, it is not easy to unify these materials into a professional and cohesive identity.
Oslo Freedom Forum - HRF 2025
That is where illustration stepped in. We created 19 portraits of the main speakers, each one crafted to capture not only a likeness but also the spirit of the individual. Illustration gave HRF something photography could not: a unified, elegant, and human identity that tied together all the speakers while honoring each of them.
There was another dimension too. Human rights can be an overwhelming subject. The stories shared at HRF are powerful and often heartbreaking. We wanted the visuals to bring balance to add lightness, playfulness, and a sense of humanity without diminishing the seriousness of the work. Illustration allowed the Forum to communicate its gravity while also remaining approachable and visually engaging.
These portraits were showcased on the big screens during presentations, integrated into HRF’s communication, and carried across digital platforms. They became more than speaker introductions. They became part of the atmosphere of the Forum itself a reminder that even in the most serious contexts, art can bring warmth, identity, and connection.
Alongside the portraits, we also developed a very special project: a custom-designed card deck. This playful and interactive piece deserves its own spotlight, so we will share it in a dedicated post soon.
At Illustria, we believe illustration is not just an image. It is a solution to real communication challenges. It is a way to connect, to humanize, and to transform. HRF gave us the chance to show exactly that, and we are proud of the story these portraits helped tell.
