Street art in France is a diverse expression of culture and creativity. Over the last 60 years, French city streets, especially those of Paris, have become public galleries which show a combination of graffiti, murals and intricate installations. French street art connects with the country’s politics, culture and identity in a unique mixture.
The origins of this open-air art form are traced to the 1960s and 70s. Initially connected to the rise of street art in the US, French street art was the people’s response to social issues and political unrest. Protests in Paris in 1968 challenged the status quo and made a major contribution to shaping a culture that would find more and more public expression in the streets. As the years went on, street art evolved and began to incorporate hip-hop culture as well as different techniques.
Iconic French street artists include Invader and Blek le Rat. Invader is known for his mosaics which depict the pixelated characters from video games which cleverly blend a nostalgic feeling with contemporary urban culture. Blek le Rat, sometimes referred to as the “Father of stencil graffiti”, was made famous for his stencils of rats that he would spray around Paris. He was greatly influenced by American culture after a visit there in 1971 and he is one of, if not the, most iconic French street artist ever. Another key figure is JR who uses huge photographic installations to tell the stories of marginalized communities. His art provides a connection between the media and the people as well as an understanding of diversity through art.
Over its history, street art in France has gained a lot of recognition. Events such as Paris Urban Art fair recognize and display pieces which encompass the feelings and creativity of contemporary French street artists. Because of events like these people feel inspired and it encourages a wave of creativity and positivity surrounding urban art.
A very compelling aspect of the French street art movement is the political side to it which serves as a platform for the views of the people. For example, French artist, Ludo’s piece “Space tourism” reflects the doubts and fears of normalized space travel. It shows a rocket ship with Virgin, SpaceX and Amazon painted on it crashed into the moon. This represents the view that big corporations are going to cause harm and do anything to make money. Protests in France also inspire a lot of street art such as Black Lives Matter murals and environmental activism pieces.
Urban art in France is not just a spectacle but a reflection of societal values and opinions. As cities and regions evolve, new artists emerge bringing with them a fresh style and new methods. With such a rich history and a promising future, French streets will continue to flourish with the creativity of the people.
