Karc Creates River Lea Mural in Hackney Wick

An abstract homage to the River Lea has been painted by Polish artist Karc in Hackney Wick. Created on a large wall just near to the river it is a vibrant mix of shapes and colour, something the artist has become well known for.

An opportunity arising out of a chance encounter. Karc explains how a meeting with local wall owner Paul Daly resulted in an initial idea along with an impressive location. “We had a beautiful space and idea but we didn’t have any money”.

Getting Started

Sending emails to try and find the funding it took a persistent 2 years until the Abbey Harris Mural Fund came on board. An organisation with a long history of supporting painters and mural artists. They provided the funding and finally the project could get off the ground with Shauna Blanchfield joining to support.

Environment

“The whole idea was to create artwork that is conscious of the environment” says Karc. “An artwork that blends well with the surrounding buildings. I think Hackney deserves the visual alternative to what is considered more traditional graffiti”.

Imperfect Mirror

“I relish the freedom to create and break my own rules” says Karc. One such rule is what I refer to as the “Imperfect Mirror” principle. This involves creating shapes and patterns and reflecting them at skewed and irregular angles. Acknowledging the absence of perfect symmetry in Nature.”

Wallis Road

Karc’s mural on Wallis Road takes a prominent place in an area already known for having some impressive works. Murals by Thierry Noir and Martin Ron & Jiant in particular are standout pieces. Supported by Paul Daly, he describes wanting to “complete the trilogy… I felt that an abstract piece was what I was looking for”.

Gut Feeling

A graduate of Fine Art from Goldsmiths himself. Paul also felt that it was important to balance the walls in the area. Choosing not to “chase big names or already established artists”. He describes a “gut feeling” that it should be a female artist taking on some of these big walls. Especially as many others in the area were painted by men.

The River Lea

Called ‘The River Lea’ after the nearby river. Karc says that there is a dynamism visible in the piece. Both one that resembles a river but which also showcases the dynamic spirit of Hackney itself. Also using orange as a prominent colour she wanted this to reflect the nearby overground. “I thought it would be a nice visual continuation”.

The River Lea is a mural by Karc painted on Wallis Road in Hackney Wick during April 2024. It has been supported by Paul Daly and the Abbey Harris Mural Fund.

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Interview with Karc

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