The works of Camille Walala don't go unnoticed. Bright and playful, her «Tribal Pop» creations infuse the Urban décor a wave of invigorating optimism. Installations, Wall murals, zebra crossings, cars, nightclubs… nothing escapes the solar energy of the designer who is an expatriate in London. A closer look at Camille Walala, a prolific artist who brings colour into our lives!
Camille Walala, a leading figure in the Tribal Pop style
Camille Walala describes her art as «pop and playful». Much like her flamboyant dress sense, she superimposes lines and colours in a skilfully organised puzzle. She describes her unique style as Tribal Pop.
Its visual identity is the result of a mix of influences, among which African art (that of the Ndebele tribe in particular), the Memphis Group 1980s, Optical art of Vasarely, the Bauhaus movement, the Street art, Mondrian or Pop culture.
A variety of sources of inspiration, which however have a common denominator: The game of shapes and colours. By returning to their essence and modelling them without inhibition, the artist manages to investing in public space, to awaken our senses and, thereby, our joie de vivre.
Camille Walala's unconventional journey: from France to London
But who is Camille Walala The artist with the melodious name is one of those people who prove to us that it's never too late. Not very invested in her academic path, the Aveyronnais-born woman discovers A late passion for art. After attempting to obtain a DEUG in literature, she completed a first stay in London in 1997. There, she discovered a vibrant and eccentric urban life She falls in love there. She learns English, works as a waitress, and from then on, never packs her bags again.
However, Camille Walala is still finding her way. It is by following Evening classes her attraction to art began to emerge. Her textile design teacher spotted and revealed her talent. It was decided, Camille Walala, then 28 years old, returned to school. Five years later, she graduated. a graduate of the University of Brighton in Textile Design. In 2009, she launched her Studio Walala in Hackney.
Camille Walala's career begins on the Broadway Market, where the young artist sells her prints on cushions and other home decor items. She is quickly invited to decorate the walls of a London nightclub, XOYO. A golden opportunity during which Camille Walala has carte blanche. She freely sketches the first lines of her very characteristic universe.
Camille Walala's meteoric rise
Camille Walala is embarking on a series of increasingly explosive collaborations. Sought after from all corners of the globe, the artist spreads her good vibes From New York to Melbourne. She paints a petrol station in Arkansas in the United States, Create an inflatable castle for London Design Week, Imagine a labyrinth at the Now Gallery. With Lego, she creates House of Dots, a life-sized playhouse made out of 2 million bricks.
Its geometric and colourful imprint adapts to all surfaces to enhance them. If it loves collaborating with brands, its primary mission remains to beautify the city. « The urban environment is my playground », she states beneath her cap Street artist. Indeed, for Camille Walala, the city constitutes a vast playground and experimentation.
Camille Walala livens up cities
Although her first London walls were illegally covered, the artist saw her dreams come true when she was invited to cover a building facade in London. This monumental fresco, named Dream Come True is visible in the Shoreditch district. The seven-storey building is certainly one of his most iconic works. It exuberantly embodies the artist's style: geometric patterns and pop colours.
Her work enhances and elevates architecture, transforming it into a playful and colourful space. Because what Camille Walala wants, above all, is « to help brighten people's lives »Thus, she masterfully orchestrates a composition of primary shapes and colours for transcend urban gloom. His artistic universe vibrant with life enchant the urban space and plunges us into an almost childlike relationship with space. It sparks emotion, interaction, and wonder. Camille Walala is an effect creator. «Wow ».
Camille Walala, soon in Paris?
London has truly become Camille Walala's adopted home. The French expatriate feels at ease there: «My universe blends into the landscape and brings a communicative energy that doesn't shock anyone.» While urban art is on the rise all over the world, the artist nevertheless feels a certain disconnect with their home country. The city of Paris, less eccentric, more consensual, doesn't seem ready to welcome his dynamic and modern art onto its walls.
Furthermore, the artist has publicly announced that she would be happy to re-dress a Tube station. In the meantime, it's the production company Quay 36, who invited the artist to carry out one of her last projects. She designed the exterior of cars for the rental agency ADA. The« Walalacars »colourful vehicles could cross your path in the streets of Paris!
