The connoisseur: Camille Walala
With her geometric city murals and pop-up sculptures emblazoning everywhere from London to Hong Kong, chances are you’re already familiar with the technicolour works of Camille Walala. High Life sits down with the London-based French artist to talk fake food, dream cities and how to plan a holiday on Instagram
The last country I fell in love with was Mexico. I only visited the country earlier this year, but I already want to go back and settle in amongst the weavers and pottery artists and painters. The artisan communities of Mexico City and Oaxaca are so incredibly good.
The most memorable souvenir I own is fake food from Japan. You know how restaurants in Tokyo sometimes have fake food outside? To show you what’s on the menu? I got really obsessed with them and bought a fake 1970s-looking flan with a cherry on top and a big strawberry ice-cream sundae. They sit in my studio and are completely ridiculous.
My greatest travel companion is my partner Julia. We love the same things, but our travelling styles are quite different. I’ll be the one finding people for us to meet, she’ll be the one guiding us on Google Maps. We balance each other out.
I destress on holiday the same way I destress at home: with a sketchbook, pencils, paint and a good breakfast. I love being creative on holiday. And I love breakfast.
My most memorable meal was in New York (an amazing city for food) at a place called Crown Shy in the Financial District. It’s hidden away in an Art Deco tower and served the best sticky toffee pudding I’ve had in my life. Runner-up is ABC Ramen, in Ginza, Tokyo. Very low key and authentic.