UK artists decorates British High Commission

The exterior wall of the British High Commission has been spray painted by a group of UK graffiti artists who are in The Gambia as part of a ‘wide Open Walls’ programme.

The walls of the British High Commission have been decorated in the theme of connecting UK culture with Gambian culture and the intertwined nature of the two countries.

The artwork shows features of the two countries joined together, and what they share in common, such as tea, handshake, images of the diamond jubilee and other remarkable depictions.

In addition to decorating the High Commission premises, the visitors have also been painting the villages of Galoya and Makumbaya.

Speaking to the press, at the site on Monday, British High Commissioner to The Gambia David Morley said the chief reason for the artwork was to connect it to the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and the London Olympics, which is just about 50 days to come. 

He further indicated that the whole idea was to remind everyone of the links between the UK and The Gambia, noting that the “decoration was a good combination of that”.

The designs show landmark features of the UK and The Gambia.

High Commissioner Morley said that when he arrived in The Gambia about a year ago, he saw expensive walls and he thought it was “really nice” to do something like what the artists have done. He therefore commended the artists for translating their ideas into the physical depictions being seen now at the Commission and some other parts of The Gambia.

Speaking to The Point, Graeme Brusby, one of the artists, said he is a self-employed Briton who lives in East London.

According to him, the visit was his second time to The Gambia. He was on a private invitation to explore ideas as it relates to what he does, he said, saying he spent two days on the just completed artwork at the British Commission.

Also speaking to The Point, another of the artists, David, said the decoration was a mixture of art work.

He noted that the design of joining hand between the UK and The Gambia symbolizes the wonderful relationship between the two countries.

David said he has been in the country for two weeks, working also in the villages.

He added that they have been doing a lot of painting on walls and buildings in the villages, to make them look nice.

This, he added, was more like an exchange between local people, to share ideas.