Lakwena on Religion, Mythology and a Assertion to Make
The London-based artist discusses the motivation and process behind her epic painted murals, which combine vibrant color palettes with uplifting messages rooted in spirituality
The personal encounter with one of Lakwena's distinctive works of art is enough to stop you on your trail. Over the past decade, she has built a cult following for her large-format painted murals, which feature a heady combination of vibrant colors, eye-catching patterns, and bold statements that are meant to elevate and inspire – from & # 39; Together We Stand & # 39; until & # 39; The best is yet to come & # 39 ;. With these hopeful confirmations, the artist is gradually taking over public space around the world, thanks to commissions that range from a monastery in Vienna to London's Southbank Center to a youth prison in Arkansas.
The London-based artist, whose full name is Lakwena Maciver, was born in north London and spent time in Uganda and Ethiopia during her childhood before her family decided to settle in her hometown. While engaging in art and creativity at a young age, Lakwena originally wanted to become an accountant as a teenager. Fortunately, she had a revelation that brought her back to her true calling in the creative industry.
Above: Together we stand, Tottenham Arts Now. Above: Your love lifts me higher and higher, Hometown, Hastings Contemporary
"I was a bit disaffected with the system, not that I knew that much about it," says artist CR. “I think my father had a big part to play in it. he really wanted me to get a good job in the traditional sense, but then he struggled to get jobs. I think that's what made me give up this way of thinking, this approach to life. If you've worked really hard and studied really hard, you can get a job and be successful. "