An Oral History Interview ‘memories of the Canning Town Old Library’ with Julien Ipanga, fulltime Sculptor, Artist and proud British-Congolese Canning Town resident

Meet Julien Ipanga, Sculptor, Artist

Julien Ipanga is a Congolese-British sculptor whose family moved from Paris to London in 2001 seeking new opportunities. As French is his first language he had a difficult start at primary  school not knowing the language and culture but overtime overcame these barriers. He moved to secondary school in 2008 and started to take the 69 and 115 bus to Stratford and often used to walk past the Old Canning Town Library. His friend recommended the library to him and there he found a quiet place to study.

Canning Town Old Library “a Safe Space”

As a creative and sporty child, the library gave Julien an opportunity to read books and the realisation he had undiagnosed dyslexia. In the library he found his quiet and safe space, in a corner of the library that he loved, somewhere he could focus and practice reading.

Canning Town Old Library – Inspiring – “Blew his mind”

In the library Julien discovered a love of books, a world of science and history and his passion for art and congolese history. He recalls that one book by Anish Kapoor in particular “blew his mind” and so began his own artistic journey.

Canning Town Old Library –  Offering academic and personal support

The library offered after school reading classes for 10-11 year olds which helped Julien in his exams. The library then started a book club which began with reading simple literature books and then progressed and included maths. These classes provided the extra academic support that Julien needed.

The book club also helped Julien with public speaking as English was not his first language and he considered English to be his weakest subject. The class focussed on public speaking and helped build his confidence, encouraging and propelling him to do more public speaking. Julien feels the library played a big role in his development.

Canning Town Old Library – Discovering Heritage

As a self confessed “library addict” Julien went to the library four times a week after school from 3pm to 6pm during term time, some half days and once or twice during school holidays just to read. He particular loved reading history books and wanted to know more about his Congolese heritage. He learnt a lot about his heritage from his parents but the books in the library gave him more in-depth knowledge.

He first discovered books on Congolese textiles. Textiles played a large role in his family life as his family loved clothes and fashion but he slowly grew interested in sculpture and different aspects of Congolese history. This led to him to discover ways to mix his Congolese and British heritage in the work he does right now.

Canning Town Old Library – A refuge – extended family

During his time at school, he had good and difficult days but the library was always there to offer a refuge, a safe space whilst he dealt with the trauma of being bullied as a young teenager. The staff began to know him really well and he asked them why they worked in the library. They told him they loved knowledge; they loved their local area whilst acknowledging its turbulent history, but they were still proud of their community and to be from Canning Town.

He recalls a particular staff member, part of the administration team who helped him with his English studies, and in particular with an essay in preparation for an oral exam. She supported him after her working hours and when he told her he was having difficulties, she made sure she read through his writing before he went home. He recalls her as being “a very kind person”.

Canning Town Old Library – Love of books –“immersion”, “a happy place”

A member of staff asked him why he loved books. Julien responded by saying he was a library regular but was not always “seen a lot”. The reason he loved books is that books gave him space to connect, to immerse and the library was his happy place.

Canning Town Old Library – Developing and Nurturing Friendships

In the book clubs, he and his friends could read books. Not just books as part of the curriculum but subjects they were interested in and could just “hang” there in a safe space.

Canning Town Old Library – Supporting others

Julien supported his friend by recommending they come to the library to meet the good people there. He set up small workshops where they used to meet for group work and discuss projects.

Memorable Events 

London 2012 Olympics and Mo Farah

One of his happiest memories that happened near the library was the London 2012 Olympics. He was reading in the library when he heard Mo Farah was carrying the Olympic Flame around East London. He looked out of the library window and he couldn’t believe this big event, the Olympics was happening in London and in his local area. The library was in full party mode, everybody was celebrating outside the library. He was smiling from the window, in emotional tatters thinking “wow, this is really happening”. The good memories of London 2012, always remained with him as a sports enthusiast – the place was going crazy with sporting activities”.

Seeing a Local Artist at work

During 2015/16 he was walking near the library when he saw a local artist selling her work. Later on, he saw her painting and he asked why she was painting the library and she said she loved painting her local area.

The Future 

The library shaped his future and assured him of what he wanted to do in his a career as a creative sculptor and artist. The library contained so much knowledge, he didn’t know where to start. The library is where his artistry and sculpture career began around 2016 as a profession. The library played a big role and shaped his journey as an artist. Julien made friends there just by talking to people and it was a great meeting space for friends. During this time he was worried the library was going to be shut down, so he signed a petition to save the library building. He is happy that it is going to be reopened in new way and he can’t wait to see what it will look like.

Listen to Julien Ipanga describing his sculpture:

Sculpture – Stripes Oak

The sculpture is called Stripes Oak, the origin of this work came from a visit to the library. When he was reading books on Congolese history, he read a specific book about Congo Cobalt and how men, women and children were treated. The book stirred up emotions and he was frustrated when he read the book and he wanted a way to express how he was feeling, so he made this sculpture to physically manifest his feelings.

His work is his way of bring awareness of what was happening. He said “in England they don’t talk about what is happening in the Congo and even Sudan” so he wanted to use his platform to bring witness to it. The sculpture is made of wood that represents nature and the streak of red that covers half of the wood represents the blood of men, women and children. Julien considers his work as visceral and an eye opener. The work has been displayed in his local group gallery and will also be displayed during Black History month. At the end of March it will go in display in a gallery in Camden and seen by a bigger audience.  He hopes it will bring more attention and stir up discussion about the situation in the Congo.

Currently

Julien is a full time sculptor and artist and has been a full time professional for six years and an artist for ten. His work has been displayed in different creative spaces across London.

Follow Julien at @juliennsculptor on Instagram

Contact: djemaarttt@gmail.com