OV Alice’s Inspiring Art

The King’s Art School was very excited to host OV Alice Walter’s (Br 99-07) End of the Rainbow exhibition this month in the Sir Terry Frost Gallery. Alice was invited to exhibit by King’s Head of Art, Chris Haywood (Hon OV), who has been closely following Alice’s career since she left King’s.

The End of the Rainbow collection of paintings, film, collage and sculpture provided an incredibly inspirational and thought-provoking display, not only for the pupils but also staff, parents, OVs and friends of the School, who were invited to a private viewing.

Alice very kindly spent time with a number of different year groups, talking about her work, what inspires her pieces, how they are developed and also how each piece has the ability to evolve. In particular, Alice explained how she prefers to use everyday items to build the narrative of her work. Much of her art is inspired by loss, which Alice explained may not necessarily be loss in the traditional sense but also includes the loss of logic to create a magical world.

Her strong connection with emotion and loss, which inspires her art, has also inspired Alice to train as a Psychopomp: a spiritual guide to assist the dying, such as those who are terminally ill, on their journey to give them greater peace; as Alice eloquently explained to the fascinated Sixth Formers, “I’m like a reverse mid-wife”.

Alice added, “It’s been such a joy to exhibit at King’s and spend time with the current pupils and staff. It’s wonderful to see the Art Department thriving with creative energy. Many thanks to Chris, and everyone who attended and assisted with the show. See you again soon!”

Chris commented, “It was wonderful to see how Alice’s work has inspired so many of our current budding artists, and encourage them to use their emotions in their creative output. Thank you, Alice!”