„What’s amazing about murals is that they are large-scale and often located outdoors,“ according to Oskar Walin, also known as Oskar With a K. „People come across them unexpectedly, providing a unique opportunity to interact with the public that most artists do not have. I am also drawn to collaborative art-making, creating collective pieces with a cohesive outcome.“
Oskar’s work can be found for both commercial clients and community organizations in the North of England and in various locations beyond. Originally from Brighton, he is now based in Manchester and has developed a portfolio over the last four years that exudes positivity and a love for large, hand-painted lettering.
When Manchester City Council wanted to revitalize a dull space known as Withington Walls, they turned to Oskar with a K for his expertise. After five days of intense painting on two gable-end walls using a scissor lift, the area was transformed significantly.
„I really enjoyed this project because it allowed me to create something bold and graphic in a very unique location. It took several attempts to get it right, but the final piece is immersive – especially when experienced in person,“ says Oskar.
Logistics play a crucial role in completing a mural on time and within budget. Oskar begins by photographing the wall, then visualizing his ideas in his sketchbook and/or Photoshop. Various materials are needed such as spray paint, masonry paint, brushes, rollers, and telescopic ladders. With larger projects, he often uses a scissor lift and has rented a storage space as his work has outgrown his living area. To learn more about his scaling techniques, Oskar has shared an explanatory doodle grid on his Instagram account.
Having been fascinated by graffiti in his youth, Oskar transitioned to studying graphic design in college. The artwork „Field for the British Isles“ by Anthony Gormley, consisting of 40,000 terracotta figures, has always been an inspiration to him.
One of Oskar’s favorite projects involved painting two identical shop shutters in Stockport’s market hall for the Electoral Commission – one in English and one in Welsh. The artwork was photographed and featured on posters across the country, encouraging voter registration.
Oskar often incorporates a social or community aspect into his projects, offering mural workshops for youth groups, schools, and other community organizations. Participants contribute to large-scale artworks in their area, learning painting skills and teamwork while hopefully gaining confidence.
An example of this is Oskar’s collaboration with Stockport County Football Club, Grit Studios, and The Writing Squad. They conducted workshops with local teenagers and poet Ruth Awolola, who helped paint part of the mural. Oskar completed the rest on a weathered scissor lift, depicting the Stockport County football chant „A Scarf My Father Wore.“