Brian Rea’s Modern Love: A New Twist on Familiar Lines
New York Times / Modern Love: illustrated by Brian Rea
Brian Rea continues to illustrate the Modern Love column in 2025 with attentive presence. He reads the essays over the weekend and lets them settle. On Monday he sketches ideas that suggest connection, longing, human smallness.
By mid week he renders final images that are direct and uncluttered. Each image aligns with an emotional thread from the text, conveying feeling without stating it.
His work remains steady. In the 20 years since Modern Love began, Brian has produced more than 700 illustrations for that column.
He shapes emotion with simple forms that reflect rather than repeat the essays. He avoids theatrical gestures and sweeping metaphors. His style is modest and lucid.
This year Brian appears to have taken on additional work for Modern Love. His frequency of contributions suggests deeper involvement. Yet his approach has not shifted.
Expect hands held loosely, figures balanced in proximity, individuals close but defined. Expect gentle surprises—a novel angle, a faintly bent line, a new hue of blue or pink.
Brian Rea (@freebrianrea)
