Javi Aznarez Illustrates the Hamptons for New York Magazine’s Summer 2026 Issue
For New York Magazine’s Summer 2026 Hamptons issue, Dutch Uncle artist Javi Aznarez was commissioned to create a series of editorial illustrations capturing the humour, tension and social theatre of a Hamptons summer.
Across features including “Chefs on Bunk Beds, Bartenders on Boats” by Clio Chang and “I’m Sorry You’re in This Beautiful House We Pay For!” by Lucy Boyle, Javi brings his distinctive warmth, wit and character-driven storytelling to stories about seasonal workers, summer jobs, family homes, housing pressure and the strange rituals of New York summer life.
Donohue’s East in the Hamptons, illustrated by Javi Aznarez for New York Magazine
The commission also captures the arrival of Donohue’s East in the Hamptons, bringing a slice of classic New York steakhouse culture to Westhampton Beach. In Javi’s illustration, martinis, lobster rolls, summer regulars and old-school hospitality come together in a scene that feels both nostalgic and unmistakably Hamptons: polished, social, slightly eccentric and full of character.
Hamptons summer, seen through illustration
Every summer, the Hamptons becomes a world unto itself: beach houses, family dramas, restaurant shifts, temporary bedrooms, long weekends and the quiet absurdities that sit behind the polished surface.
Javi’s illustrations for New York Magazine capture that world with humour and humanity. His characters feel instantly alive, whether they are stretched out on picnic blankets, leaning from upstairs windows, serving drinks after long shifts or trying to find somewhere affordable to sleep during the most expensive season of the year.
Chefs on Bunk Beds, Bartenders on Boats
In “Chefs on Bunk Beds, Bartenders on Boats,” writer Clio Chang explores the seasonal workers who keep the Hamptons running each summer.
While visitors enjoy beachside dinners, parties and weekend escapes, chefs, bartenders and hospitality staff are dealing with one of America’s toughest seasonal housing markets.
Javi’s illustration captures the comic pressure of that reality: a sous-chef squeezed into a bunk-bed motel room, belongings tucked into corners, a dog sleeping below, and a whole summer economy playing out in one cramped interior.
The artwork is funny, sharp and sympathetic. It turns a story about temporary housing into a memorable visual narrative about work, class, resilience and the hidden infrastructure of Hamptons summer life.
I’m Sorry You’re in This Beautiful House We Pay For!
For “I’m Sorry You’re in This Beautiful House We Pay For!” by Lucy Boyle, Javi illustrates another side of Hamptons culture: the family summer house.
The feature looks at adult children, parents, shared homes and the generational tensions that can unfold inside beautiful houses by the beach.
Javi’s illustration captures the mood perfectly: a grand Hamptons home, relaxed summer bodies on the lawn, children running through the scene, and a parent watching from above.
It is elegant, funny and slightly theatrical — exactly the kind of social observation Javi handles so well.
Why Javi Aznarez’s Hamptons illustrations work so well
Javi Aznarez has a remarkable ability to transform everyday moments into memorable visual stories.
His editorial illustrations are full of expressive characters, cinematic composition and small details that reward a second look.
For New York Magazine’s Hamptons issue, that approach feels especially apt.
These are stories about what happens behind the surface: the workers behind the restaurants, the families behind the houses, the routines behind the luxury, and the wonderfully specific human moments that make the Hamptons such a rich subject for illustration.
The result is a colourful, character-driven portrait of Hamptons summer: funny, warm, observant and unmistakably Javi.
About Javi Aznarez
Javi Aznarez is an illustrator represented by Dutch Uncle. Known for his warm, witty and character-led work, he brings atmosphere, humour and narrative detail to editorial, publishing, advertising and cultural commissions.
See more of Javi Aznarez’s work here:
Frequently asked questions
Who illustrated New York Magazine’s Summer 2026 Hamptons issue?
Dutch Uncle artist Javi Aznarez created illustrations for features in New York Magazine’s Summer 2026 Hamptons issue.
What New York Magazine articles did Javi Aznarez illustrate?
Javi Aznarez illustrated features including “Chefs on Bunk Beds, Bartenders on Boats” by Clio Chang and “I’m Sorry You’re in This Beautiful House We Pay For!” by Lucy Boyle.
What are Javi Aznarez’s Hamptons illustrations about?
The illustrations explore Hamptons summer life, seasonal workers, chefs, bartenders, housing pressure, family homes and the social rituals of New York summer culture.
Where can I see more work by Javi Aznarez?
You can see more of Javi Aznarez’s illustration work on his Dutch Uncle artist portfolio. dutchuncle.co.uk/javi-aznarez
