In recent years, the streets of London have been adorned with huge multicolored frescoes. Behind these monumental works hides a clique of young artists, self-proclaimed “The New London Fabulous”. With its flat surfaces and its geometry games on old Brooklyn warehouses, facades of the City or a hotel swimming pool in Mauritius, its multicolored zebra crossings and even a Lego installation, Camille Vic Dupont, aka Camille Walala, is the most famous and the most frenetic of them. But, like her comrades, the Frenchwoman – installed in London for many years – has been slowed down in her plans by the pandemic.
Forced to ask, she thought about it and decided to put her work in a more committed wake. By investing in particular for artists : “In the UK, they received no financial assistance. So, to recall their essential role, we reopened the Design Museum and transformed its gift shop into a pop-up supermarket. We sold canned beans, dishwashing liquid and toilet paper, the wrappers of which were designed by artists. “
She also imagined a bouncy castle for adults installed on a sinister square in the City district, because “The city is made for resting and enjoying outdoor spaces”. An attraction designed especially for those who do not go to the museum.
Since it is now proven that ugliness is a source of stress and discomfort, Camille Walala works to paint beauty in all areas of the city, in an approach that she describes “Of general interest”. His dream would be to transform Oxford Circus, one of London’s busiest shopping hubs, into a pedestrian agora, with a fountain, trees and plentiful seating.
“Cities must be returned to citizens! exclaims the street artist. They can no longer just be places of consumption… I also want to get involved in the life of my neighborhood of Leighton, which is very disadvantaged. What a shock to see that, during the confinement, the local pub was preparing meals for the children who did not have enough to eat! ”
Childhood emotions
In another life, Camille Walala could have been a guidance counselor. She is also currently developing workshops to encourage students to create and help them make collages that will then be hung in the playground. “I want to replace the often sad lessons with happy moments. I would like to be the voice that gives confidence to children… ”
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