Street Art In Paris
As if Paris did not have enough to offer, another vibrant element is its street art. There are even paid tours you can go on.
Sometimes I take my own tour, that is I go for a long aimless walk, iPhone at the ready, photographing what I find.
Some of the wall art is sanctioned by the city or local business, but a lot of it is graffiti which is illegal in Paris as most cities elsewhere.
However, that is what makes it so powerful. It’s anonymous so it has story that is unknown us. And we all love a mystery.
Street Art in Montmartre
Man walks by an original Bansky in Paris
Who is Bansky?
A few years back, everyone was talking about Banksy a street artist, vandal, political activist, active since the 1990s.
Banksy is not his real name and his identity is closely guarded but he has traveled the world producing his graffiti in major cities without being detected.
That year, he left behind seven of his stenciled pieces of artwork on publicly visible walls in Paris.
Original Banksy Paris
Original Banksy in Paris
Subway Graffiti
Graffiti artists tend to be a rebellious lot — As a journalist, I remember doing stories about how graffiti plagued the long, exposed walls in subway stations.
New York, London, Paris, and Montreal were hit most.
Graffiti in Paris! Do you think the residents who live here are happy about it?
Teams of cleaners would go in at night to remove it only to have the artists return with their silent protests the next day.
Of course, not all street art is graffiti but it is no less a statement. And like any piece of art it is open for interpretation!
Love this one!
And this one too! Found near the jazz scene in Paris!
How do you feel about street art?
Please comment below!
Wonder if Vic and Marie are still together?
Re-Connect With That Paris Feeling!
Paris is a feeling, so, if you craving a little bit of that feeling, go back and read some of my former blogs. Here are a couple of suggestions for what Paris has evoked for me!
The French Man — https://womanofacertainageinparis.com/travel-stories/the-french-man/
Red Lipstick is sooo French — https://womanofacertainageinparis.com/travel-stories/red-lipstick-is-sooo-french/
French Kissing — https://womanofacertainageinparis.com/travel-stories/french-kissing/
Enjoy!
Brought to you by www.womanofacertainageinparis.com
Diana Bishop the founder of The Success Story Program and A Woman of a Certain Age in Paris as well as a well-known correspondent with over 25 years working for CTV, CBC News, and NBC News. She loves travel, writing, and all things Parisienne.
Street Artists can be so creative. I remember seeing a leafy tree behind a drab city wall – an artist had painted a head on the wall, using the tree leaves as “hair”. It was brilliant!!!
Oh I like the thought of that. Art digs deep into the soul doesn’t it? I can;t wait to get back to Paris
and to see some new galleries. Best to you, Diana
When I first read your Street Art topic, I thought back to a summer vacation in the early sixties with my parents in Quebec City. Many artists had set up their easels in empty alleys for the purpose of portraiture or selling their own art. At the time, that was street art! My parents volunteered me for a portrait, and I still have it! Pleasant memories.
Hi Sandy and they are still there in Quebec City. It often reminds of the Montmartre square where many of the portrait artists are in Paris. Similar. Thanks for your comment. It is so great to hear from you, Diana
Outdoor Mural art is a fantastic way to cheer up a neighbourhood.
I wonder if Michael Angelo would have approved?
Yes I wonder. You yourself do the most wonderful street art I have ever seen — not on walls, but I love your drawings and watercolours of real streets and people’s houses — the detail is superb! Diana
I appreciate graffiti and street art very much. Often the talent of the Street artists is highlighted because of the medium and the speed of the work completion. I always like the vibrant colours or realistic monotone details.
Nicki..I know. I never thought much about street art before but on those lovely walks in Paris where I am not in a hurry to get somewhere, a whole new world opened up to me. Thank you sooo much for your comment and please keep doing it! Diana
This reminds me of Keith Harring of the 1980’s. He also created street art, or some called it graffiti. His art was political and controversial, and he would use symbols to convey his messages on subway walls. People began to admire and enjoy his art which elevated his status. Unfortunately, he died from aids. In 2017 there was a huge art exhibit in Paris of his work when my husband and I visited and all sorts of memorabilia for sale in the stores. It was interesting to see Harring’s work and how it was celebrated in Paris compared to San Francisco which is where I first saw much of his artwork. Paris goes big when they feature artists – you can see their admiration and how they value the arts. It was what I loved about Paris when I visited! I hope to go back soon!
Some of this art is incredible!
Isn’t it? I love it all. Great to hear from you Maggie!