Oh Paris…You’re Gift to the World Is Beauty.
France. Beauty. They seemingly go hand and hand. Everywhere you look in France you see something beautiful. From carvings on the side of a building to sculptures: beauty is everywhere. And so is great art.
One thing to constantly remind yourself of when visiting Paris: LOOK UP!!!! Something we do not by nature do, yet you will often find you that if you would not have looked up at that exact moment, you might have missed something spectacular or noteworthy.
We associate Paris with great works of art, from the Mona Lisa to Monet’s Water lillies; there can be little doubt that Paris may be the art capital of the World. But, we often forget to look outside the bourgeois galleries and great museums to find art all around us.
My Fascination with Street Art.
When I grew up, I often thought of street art as “graffiti”. I certainly didn’t see the value in it nor did I fully appreciate its cultural significance. Moreover, I failed to appreciate how street art might “move” someone or influence them. That actually changed with the famous “Be Someone” street art in Houston – where I grew up and lived the majority of my life.
People have painted over the Houston “Be Someone” sign over the years. And it is always met by fierce community outcry. That painting helped me develop my appreciation for street art and its place and role in our society. It transformed my views from one of dismissive indifference to respect and admiration. To seeing the positivity and broad impact street art can have on a community.
The 20th Arrondissement.
The 20th Arrondissement was notable for its Asian culture and influence that can be found in the art. Subtle Asian influences were prevalent in many of the mosaics and paintings. But the 20th was more than that. A working class neighborhood, one could identify the alternative history of the French empire and its relationship with immigrants. I also felt like there was a juxtaposition between Parisian and avant-garde life and that of peasant France with an integration and similarities draw. A substantial feeling of integration as well as differentiation was evident in some of the pieces.
20th Arrondissement Street Art
20th Arrondissement Street Art
Paris, France.
The 13th Arrondissement.
Step off the metro and feel like you became a child in “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” and found yourself in an art museum. Building after building is painted with some grandiose and inspiring piece. Upon exiting the metro station, you need only walk a few feet before you have your first encounter and you immediately feel a surreal delight at looking up at a 6 story piece of living art. It may have been one of my favorite experiences so far!
The neighborhood as a whole had a feeling of substantial diversity with a melting pot of ethnicities and nationalities. The neighborhood was modern with high/mid-rises and had a strong muslim influence. That culture featured prominently in the art. Its also in the 13th that you will find a large painting done by a famous american artist!
Street Art.
Building art found in the 13th Arrondissement Paris, France.
The Video.
Check out my video of my walk through the 13th and 20th Arrondissements. While you are there, please hit the like and subscribe button!!!
Future Content.
I loved scouting out street art so much and making this video that I promise there will be more to come soon on Paris street art!!!! Hint: some of it will be performance art. 😉