Adams Plaza Bridge in Canary Wharf
“This is my first bridge! Adams Plaza Bridge is a fascinating structure so I wanted to use what was there as a canvas. The architecture of the long tunnel-like bridge is really inspiring and I wanted to accentuate the feeling of this exaggerated perspective. The palette and patterns create a sense of movement and surprise. I hope it brings a smile to all of the people that will pass through it every day.” – Camille Walala
In August 2020, Camille Walala was invited to be one of the leading names taking part in the inaugural London Mural Festival – a month-long city-wide event that saw more than 20 new large scale murals created across London, by a selection of both local and international artists. As a resident of East London for over 20 years, Camille was delighted to be given Adams Plaza Bridge in Canary Wharf as her canvas for the festival, giving her an opportunity to leave another permanent mark on the landscape that has surrounded her throughout her artistic career.
One of the more recognisable structures on the Wharf, Adams Plaza Bridge links One Canada Square to the architecturally astonishing Crossrail Place, with its beautiful roof-garden park. Many hundreds of people pass through every day, but until Camille unveiled her work, few of them had any reason to turn their heads and admire the surroundings.
Camille’s starting point was the bridge’s tunnel-like architecture. She developed a vinyl design that would exaggerate the feeling of exaggerated perspective, using a palette of carefully selected patterns and colours that would convey a feeling of forward motion and surprise pedestrians with a sense of dynamic movement.
The artwork remained in place after the close of the London Mural Festival and has become a permanent part of the fabric of the Estate, making Camille Walala one of 50 world-renowned artists who have contributed to Canary Wharf’s extraordinary collection of public art.
“We’re thrilled to have one of the world’s most inspiring artistic minds design this piece for Adams Plaza Bridge. It’s an ambitious install and never has the bridge been brought to life in such a way before.” – Lucie Moore, Head of Arts + Events, Canary Wharf Group
