Autumn is the season of decoration: starting university, moving flats, and trying to make your new room feel as homely as possible. Walls once blank turn into a work of art that mirrors your personality. This makes me wonder what your wall art really says about you. On inspecting my flatmates’ walls (permission granted), a few objects stand out: letters, pictures, political leaflets, handmade cards, Vietnamese propaganda, an old cereal box or, a self-portrait of Picasso. We look at the walls of people who love their friends and family, who are creative or value the small snapshots of life. However, I’d like to draw your attention to something different.
One of my flatmates’ rooms contains wall art that reflects a colourful mix of her interests. There does not seem to be a coherent stylistic structure. Her room feels like a hug from her, every wall having a tiny element of what makes her who she is. Her room represents her as a person who follows her heart and wants to be surrounded by the things that bring her comfort. Another room in my flat resembles a museum. One wall: a collage of her life. Another one: political posters. The third wall: little things she created. Each wall has a specific purpose. Therefore, when looking at one, she will know what will meet her gaze. She seems to value organisation and structure.
The bedroom wall of The Student photographer Cordelia Murray – Brown
Personally, I don’t have any decorations on my walls. I do have posters and art that I could hang up, but I still cannot bring myself to do it. The art in my room is securely positioned on my shelf. I am extremely careful and often driven by perfectionism. I’d rather not have art on my walls than deal with the consequences of having accidentally hung it up crookedly. On reflection, it amazes me how much of our personality we unconsciously pour into decorating our walls. Maybe this is my sign to finally put up my Fight Club and Picasso posters. It is time.
Illustration by Agatha Shepherd Jones
