Leytonstone News

Animated dandelion mural unveiled at Leytonstone school

The 200-square-metre augmented reality mural at Buxton School comprises 55 individual frames, depicting the full life cycle of a dandelion

Credit: INSA/Wood Street Walls/RAW Project

An innovative animated mural depicting the life cycle of a dandelion has been unveiled at a Leytonstone school.

Titled The Dandelion, the 200-square-metre mural at Buxton School was created by renowned UK graffiti artist INSA in collaboration with Walthamstow’s Wood Street Walls and The RAW Project. 

The animated artwork combines a “gif-iti” aesthetic, a unique style of street art that combines multiple painted frames into a moving GIF. The augmented reality mural at Buxton School comprises 55 individual frames, depicting the full life cycle of a dandelion, from its vivid yellow bloom to the fluffy seed head carried away by the wind. 

The artwork symbolises the journey of growth and transformation, mirroring the educational experience of students at Buxton School. The makers of the mural said it highlights the school’s “all-through” approach, serving both primary and secondary students. 

The mural was completed on the final day of this year’s William Morris Design Line, part of the London Design Festival in September. 

“We’re thrilled to collaborate with INSA on this project,” said Jackie Bowers-Broadbent, Executive Head of Buxton School. “The mural reflects our commitment to fostering growth and development in our students, and we believe this artwork will serve as an inspiring and creative reminder of the journey each of our students undertakes.” 

INSA said: “The dandelion is a powerful metaphor for resilience, growth, and potential, much like the students here. It’s often overlooked and disregarded as a weed but in reality it’s a beautiful and crucial part of our ecosystem, as well as the ability to flourish in even the toughest environments makes it a fitting symbol for this community.”

Tom Jackson, co-founder of Wood Street Walls said: “This mural represents the power of art to inspire and transform communities. Working alongside INSA and Buxton School has been an incredible journey, and we’re proud to be part of a project that not only brightens the school’s environment but also sparks curiosity and creativity in the students. Art should be accessible to everyone, and we hope this mural serves as a lasting reminder of the positive impact that public art can have on education and beyond.” 

For more information on the project, follow @INSA_gram and @therawproject_  

To watch the mural turn into an animated GIF download INSA’s GIF-ITI Viewer app 

You can find the mural here


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