Interlude in Orange

The Summer of 2016 saw a new dimension emerge for the art deco era New Cross library building.

Now, housing one of London’s foremost performing arts hubs, the Music Room, this long-empty side wall finally landed under the spotlight of Artmongers...

This Atmongers mural was commissioned in 2016 by Music Room London to bring life and vibrancy to their already iconic outer building.

Music Room London provides musicians and performers of all ages with studio space to refine, learn and rehearse their craft of performance. This long-blank outer wall didn’t say anything about the thriving creativity that exists just beyond their threshold; Artmongers decided to change this.

The mural design process began by first analysing the shape of the blank wall and its immediate context. Due to the extremely tall, thin chimney to the top right, the mural canvas was quite an unusual geometric shape.

Just in front of the side wall was a stretch of construction hoarding that had become a long-term (10 years!) part of this public space. We decided that continuing the chosen design onto the streetside hoarding would create another layer of interest to the work; drawing in passersby and adding the possibility to play with changing perspectives from far away.

The finished design is a creative response to the highly characterful front facade. Respecting and responding to the existing elements but also adding a modern twist of playfulness and curiosity.

The use of painterly colour rendering and geometric illusion, speaks to the flamboyant building frontage without directly copying. The colour palette of dusty purples, vivid oranges and modern grey was chosen to compliment the beautiful red brick of the building while standing out as something completely new and inorganic.

The painted hoarding creates an intriguing split in the canvas. When perceived from afar, certain lucky passersby might spot a moment of perfect alignment, where the two murals merge into one. A perfect harmony.

The imaginative forms are rendered with light and colour, creating structure without discipline. Room for playfulness without hard rules, like visual jazz. This work feels like a transition between something real and something imagined, an interlude between right now and what could be.

This catchy playfulness seeks to pull in it’s viewers, to puzzle, play or simply enjoy what it could mean to them.