We are asking for your opinion on the new mural at the Aldgate Campus.
Date: 14 June 2022
London Met has partnered with the Whitechapel Gallery, Tower Hamlets Council, and the City of London, to create a new mural for a large blank wall on Pomell Way.
The blank space is part of the Aldgate Campus, based on Old Castle Street in East London. The designs of three finalists have been selected, and the final winner is going to be decided by a public vote.
Shannon Bono, Jacob V Joyce, and Ssola Olulode have created three unique and inspiring pieces for the side of the university building, all of which aim to highlight the local neighbourhood and London as a whole.
Shannon Bono was influenced by the textile culture of the local community, in particular the African fabrics that can be found on Petticoat Lane and Wentworth Street. “I wish to bring forward the functionality of these brightly coloured, highly patterned fabrics to celebrate and uplift the community”
Jacob V Joyce’s mural design aims to provide “a moment of serenity that disrupts the endless construction and labour demanded by an ever-changing cityscape”. The design incorporates the buddleia plant, which grow on many rooftops across East London. Joyce said the plant “represents a defiant nature, an ability to put down roots in hostile environments and humble beauty that can sometimes go unnoticed.”
Sola Olulode’s design was inspired by the interiors of the African print fabric shops in the local area, and the women that run them. The colourful display depicts a textile vendor holding up a piece of cloth for a customer. Olulode said “the aunties that work in these ships help people find the patterns and colour that unlock their self-confidence, the women listen to their customers' desires and pull out the most gorgeous patterns and colours to dazzle all.”
The voting is open until 15 June, and the winner will be announced on 17 June.
