Camille Walala – Less is bore
The self proclaimed ‘purveyor of powerfully positive print’ Camille Walala is best known for her fusion of bold colours and playful geometric patterns.
Her work espouses the ‘Less is bore’ philosophy characteristic of postmodernism and encompasses large scale street art murals, immersive installations, home interiors and set design and her latest project ‘Turn On The Lights, It’s Dark In Here’ sees the artist embracing light installation, illuminating Liverpool’s iconic waterfront for the River of Light Festival.
Your latest major project sees you illuminate Liverpool’s iconic waterfront for River of Light. What’s that about and what made you want to be involved with this event?
I love to create work that can be appreciated by everyone. When artworks are brought out on to the streets there is no hierarchy as to who can enjoy them. Its accessible for all!
How important are local people to the project?
We always find working with the local communities really important on every project. Not only do they have the insider knowledge on the locations where you’re working, it’s also just lovely to be able to meet people from everywhere you work and forge a new working relationship.
How do you feel about working in the medium of light? Will this be an element of your work that you may pursue into other projects?
The light adds an extra dimension of fun! We have tried to create a sculpture that looks equally as good in the day as it does at night. When the lights come on at night it adds an extra depth!
Working in light sounds exciting. What have been some of your favourite previous projects to work on?
This year we released our first ever permanent installation at the Color Factory in Chicago. A 120msq mirror maze with architectural shapes painted in a warm colour palette and covered in patterns. The response from the visitors has been very encouraging and it seems like everyone is having a lot of fun getting lost in the madness.
We have also been involved in some community projects in London that have been so lovely to have been a part of. One in Leyton, where we painted a huge portion of the high street to try and help brighten up the area. The other is a regeneration project of an old amphitheatre in Tottenham Lordship recreational park.
Do you think that by taking your art to the street, you are democratising it?
By making artwork accessible you allow anyone from any walk of life to enjoy the work. I remember talking to a friend who had never been to an art gallery as she was intimidated by the type of people that attend. By putting work outside, anyone can appreciate it and can have an opinion on it.
What inspired you to pursue a career in Art & Design?
I had attempted many different paths growing up, but as soon as I started working in the arts, I realised that this was the path for me.
Where does your love of large scale pieces come from?
Seeing Keith Haring’s wall in Melbourne for the first time, made me feel incredible and I knew that working on a large scale was something that I wanted to pursue.
What is your creative process from inception to creation?
I initially will either visit a place or get sent photos. I will then respond to the architecture of the place. This is the general starting point for my ideas.
What inspires you to keep going and how do you keep yourself motivated?
I love what I do, thats what keeps me motivated! I also love the people I encounter through doing what I do. It’s the people that make all the difference.
How as your approach to making your work changed over the years?
My approach hasn’t really changed that much. I have always had a daily sketch book ritual and I do endless collaging until I find shapes that I like.
What would be a dream project for you?
I love public art, I would dream of creating a playscape of some sort or a huge water feature. Whether a fountain or swimming pool.
Images courtesy of Jack Finnegan
The full details of all ten pieces, the artists and their locations can be found on the official River of Light website which is available to see until Sunday 6 November.
For 2022, River Of Light will co-deliver a creative education programme in partnership with social project Make Bank which aims to make art more accessible. Many of the artists will be delivering sessions, master classes and discussions as part of the trail, details of which will be found on the Culture Liverpool website.
River Of Light is taking place in the middle of an exciting autumn/winter events programme for the city, making Liverpool a must-visit destination for arts, sport and culture. Locals and visitors to the city can enjoy The World Gymnastics Championships Liverpool 2022, The Turner Prize, Our Place In Space and The Rugby League World Cup, all taking place during this period. More information on these events taking place across October and November can be found at www.visitliverpool.com
River Of Light will be delivered by Liverpool City Council’s Culture Liverpool team and is supported by Arts Council England.
To get the latest information on River Of Light visit www.visitliverpool.com/riveroflight or follow @visitliverpool (Twitter and Facebook) or @visitliverpool_ (Instagram).
