Walter & Zoniel

Walter & Zoniel are a British contemporary art duo known for their immersive and multidisciplinary approach to art, blending photography, installation, performance, and sculpture to create thought-provoking, interactive experiences. Their work frequently explores themes of community, nature, and the relationship between the personal and the universal. By inviting public participation in many of their projects, the duo aims to blur the lines between artist and audience, often transforming everyday spaces into sites of creative engagement and wonder.The duo first gained wide recognition with projects like The Physical Possibility of Inspiring Imagination in the Mind of Somebody Living (2014), where they created an interactive installation in London’s Toxteth neighborhood. The project involved transforming a derelict building with a vibrant facade and inviting the public to engage with it, promoting a dialogue between art, space, and community. This work exemplifies their belief in art as a tool for social connection and community involvement.Their practice often incorporates elements of the sublime and the natural world, aiming to evoke awe and contemplation. In their work Prelude To Spectra (2016), presented during the Liverpool Biennial, they created a live, large-scale performance using colored smoke that engulfed a city’s streets and waters, blending ephemeral beauty with urban spaces. The use of natural elements in combination with public performance creates a powerful contrast, emphasizing the fleeting and poetic nature of the experiences they craft.Walter & Zoniel also experiment with historical photographic techniques, such as tintypes and large-scale cameras, which they incorporate into their practice to explore themes of time, memory, and presence. Their focus on craftsmanship and the tactile nature of their process is evident in works such as Alpha-Ation (2018), an interactive piece featuring live jellyfish and a giant camera obscura that invited viewers to contemplate the mysteries of life and the interconnectedness of nature and humanity.The duo has exhibited at major international institutions and events, including Tate Britain, Somerset House, and the Venice Biennale. Their work consistently challenges the traditional boundaries of art, seeking to create inclusive, participatory experiences that foster a sense of connection—both to the natural world and within communities. Through their innovative and engaging practice, Walter & Zoniel continue to push the boundaries of contemporary art, making it more accessible, immersive, and transformative.