A vibrant new large-scale public mural has been unveiled in West London in April part of the Untold Stories initiative, part of the Mayor of London’s Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm.
A vibrant new large-scale public mural has been unveiled in West London as part of the build-up to this year’s Kensington + Chelsea Art Week. The mural is in collaboration with the Untold Stories initiative, part of the Mayor of London’s Commission for Diversity in the Public Realm.
Local artists Birungi and Bokani have collaborated on the large scale artwork to inspire the community on the topic of resilience and how we can relax, rejuvenate, and restore.
The dreamscape of Bokani’s abstract painting provides the perfect space for Birungi’s figures to be free to think, dance, and play in nature but, most importantly, rest. The artists worked with participants from the local community who attend Homefield House Children’s Centre to explore ideas around rest as a source of nourishment.
We Rest
Both artists also reflected on their personal and cultural experiences of resting and how in a demanding and capital-driven society, rest becomes a reward. They challenge this and assert that rest becomes a daily ritual they deserve for their mental, physical and spiritual well-being. They ask viewers of the artwork to breathe slowly, drop their shoulders and use this to reflect, “in what ways will I rest today?”
The project is curated by Bolanle Tajudeen, founder of Black Blossoms, a curatorial project showcasing artists with meaningful stories to tell. The Black Blossoms School of Art and Culture and Journal is dedicated to documenting and highlighting the art histories and the current creative approaches of artists from historically marginalised backgrounds.
The artists worked with participants from the local community who attend Homefield House Children’s Centre, to explore ideas around rest as a source of nourishment and think about ways mothers can prioritise their well-being.
Kensington + Chelsea Art Week has now established itself as one of the most exciting cultural events in London. Over 11 days every summer, the festival’s aim is to celebrate and promote Kensington and Chelsea as a cultural hotspot; to unveil the unexpected, highlight local spirit, and showcase an extraordinary cross-section of art and culture throughout the borough.
Kensington + Chelsea Art Week will run from 22 June – 2 July.
For more information visit www.kcaw.co.uk