Camille Walala: Square Eyes at Lowry

This autumn, Lowry celebrates its 25th anniversary with a spectacular splash of colour. Internationally renowned French artist Camille Walala is set to transform the Promenade of the Andrew Law Galleries with Square Eyes, a bold new commission that brings her signature vibrancy to Salford Quays.

Known for her large-scale murals, immersive installations and joyful use of geometric pattern, Walala has re-energised streets and buildings across the world – from Shoreditch to New York and Mauritius. Now she turns her attention to Lowry’s distinctive architecture and its panoramic views over MediaCity. Inspired by the Quays’ skyline, Walala has created a wall painting that mirrors the cityscape with her own “joyful metropolis” of colour, shape and texture.

Square Eyes marks a new direction for Walala, who first rose to prominence in 2015 with her Dream Come True Building in East London. While her work still brims with bold colours and maximalist energy, this piece incorporates new textures and compositional approaches, developed during her lockdown projects. At Lowry, she wanted to capture the play of light across the water – and at sunset, she hopes her palette will even echo the colours of the sky.

For families, this is a show that speaks directly to children as well as adults. Playful, accessible and sparking curiosity, Walala’s art has an immediate visual impact. Whether you’re popping by after a walk around the Quays or planning a day out, Square Eyes offers an uplifting encounter with art in a space that invites everyone to look differently at their surroundings.

This commission is the first in a new series of annual projects inviting leading international artists to respond to Lowry’s unique setting. Chief Executive Julia Fawcett told us, “Camille Walala is known for transforming cities around the world with colour and joy – and in Square Eyes, she’s captured something we’ve always known about Salford: that this is a place full of life, creativity and possibility.” It’s a fitting tribute as the gallery marks its 25th anniversary.

Free, family-friendly and impossible to miss, Square Eyes is a vibrant artwork that transforms the everyday into something extraordinary.