TREE OF LIFE
by ATMA + Young People
Over the course of several weeks in January 2020, I delivered workshops based on pure and free creation and self-expression with the young people of Play for Progress. Pencils, markers, paper, time and fun marked our time together. We focused on creating patterns celebrating one's roots and branches which expanded through the joy of drawing and colouring. For me, the process of getting to know, work with, and guide the talents of the young people, who delivered a large number of moving artworks, was enriching and deeply meaningful. Some of them discovered a real passion for visual arts. From this entire body of work, a selection of colours, symbols, concepts, patterns & emotions was extracted to become the essence of this Tree of Life Mural.
ATMA (b. 1979) started to paint in the street during his teens in France and has never looked back since. His passion for contributing positively to the public space and consciousness drove him to paint in many countries and collaborate with an eclectic panel of organisations, galleries, and institutions including the V&A, Lazarides gallery, William Morris Gallery, Lufthansa, Google and Dulux... He believes that mural art is a tool for social justice as it is a form of art accessible and free for all. It can change perception of a neighbourhood, a community, create a sense of belonging, and increases global happiness. Beyond his own projects, ATMA delivers collaborative and inclusive projects with schools, groups, communities and is honoured to work with the amazing Play for Progress community.
Instagram: @atmastudio