This Artist Turned An Abandoned Gas Station Into An Beautiful Landmark In Just A Week – Design You Trust

This Artist Turned An Abandoned Gas Station Into An Beautiful Landmark In Just A Week


camillewalala

Abandoned buildings are quite common in cities. They sit there having no use to them and usually are not that appealing to the eye. In the city of Arkansas (USA), there is one building like that – a gas station. It’s located at the main intersection of Grand Avenue and 11th Street, long abandoned and not working, but soon to become the most colorful and fun building in the area.

More: Camille Walala, Instagram, JustKids h/t: boredpanda


camillewalala

The London based French artist Camille Walala decided she would revive the building built in the 1950s. With the help of Fort Smith’s community, the collaboration of local artist Nate Meyers (Buffalo) and the curation by the global creative house Justkids, she created an amazing urban art project, in the style of eclectic tribal pop. She managed to make the building stand out, by using geometrical shapes, stripes, and bright colors. Camille was inspired by her travels, tribal elements, and the Memphis movement, she managed to transform an old, forgotten building into an eye-catching gathering place in just one week.


camillewalala

Justkids curated the project, managed the production and development. They help many abandoned buildings get a new life. On their site, they explain about themselves: “Justkids is a global creative house that conceives, curates and produces comprehensive art projects on an international scale with some of the most engaging artists, curators, and strategic consultants”. Justkids was founded in 2014 by a French-American art curator Charlotte Dutoit. The enterprise supports upcoming talents and helps them meet the demands of a constantly evolving audience. They offer many services like cultural development and placemaking, art curation and production, brand collaborations and content creation.


JustKids

On their website, Justkids explain why they invited Camille to do this project and tell us more about the vision of the project:
“Justkids invited Camille Walala to The Unexpected for the first time; taking overall dimensions of a 1950’s neglected service station at the main intersection of Grand Avenue and 11th street. Marking the welcoming entrance of Downtown Fort Smith, Walala Pump & Go gas station features the French artist eclectic trademark tribal pop style of vibrant geometric color patterns that highlight existing elements with a dynamic brio.”


camillewalala

On her website, Camille explains more about herself, what inspired her and what her goals are. She mentions that she is a person who spreads positivity, through vibrant colors and bold patterns. Her goal is to stimulate the senses and inspire joy.
Camille graduated in textile design from the University of Brighton, she created her namesake brand in London in 2009 and lives and works there to this day. She has traveled around the world with her work, gathering important experience. She transformed homes, workspaces in her signature style. She noticed that her work translates really well onto larger surfaces and installations, so she is now working on a bigger and greater scale than ever before, with the goal to renovate the world’s urban landscapes with her unique style and work.


camillewalala


JustKids


JustKids


JustKids


camillewalala


JustKids


camillewalala


camillewalala


camillewalala


camillewalala


JustKids


camillewalala


JustKids


JustKids

If you want more awesome content, subscribe to 'Oh, Design You Trust,' our brand new Facebook page! Trust me, you won't be disappointed.

More Inspiring Stories

Mars Snow Globe Ditches Snow For Swirling Martian Dust Storm
Creepy Post-Soviet Textile Dolls By Irina Sayfiydinova
Superhero Bookshelves By Turkish Artist Burak Doğan
Striking Three-Dimensional Interventions by Mr. June Layer Geometric Paintings Onto Architectural Elements
Creative DIY Ideas To Hide The Wires In The Wall Room
Dad Builds Triple Rocking Chair So He Could Read To His 3 Kids
Cool Retro Photos Capture People With Their Station Wagons From Between The 1950s And ’70s
Toys In The Basement: Beautiful Creepy Dolls By Annie Montgomerie
Putin Pencil Sharpener Is a Bestselling Item On Etsy
3D-Printed Chess Set Turns Each Piece into a Miniature Planter
Playful Product Design and Animations by dina A. Amin
Luna: Bring the Moon Along with You
Coffee Kiss by Jang Woo-Seok
Spectacular Origami Lights By Umut Yamac
Scary Looking Loaves Of Bread That Turn Out To Be Adorable Anime Characters When Sliced
Beautifully Designed Fabric Fills Delhi’s Auto Rickshaw Interior With Vibrant Original Artwork
Designer Reaches Out To Potential Employers With Adobe-Inspired Chocolate Bars
Artist Barbara Franc Creates Gorgeous Animal Sculptures
Russian Paper Artist Reinterprets Baroque Wigs With A Modern Flair
Fan Yanting's Minimalistic Ceramics Come With Adorable Faces
Drew Leshko’s Miniature Sculptures Are Utterly Mind-Boggling
Artist Creates Intricately Patterned Artworks by Delicately Stitching Colourful Threads Into Leaves
The World’s Youngest-Ever Lego Certified Professional Just Made this 50,000 piece Great Wave
This Light Allows Kids To Create And Play With Shadows