Street art ain’t just stencils anymore… but we still love stencils.
The Bright and The Beautiful
My only disappointment about Paris was missing Banksy by one day. The famous British street artist has been in the City of Love lately posting art that mostly jabs at the French government’s treatment of immigrants.
Before Banksy arrived, my daughter and I enjoyed photographing graffiti in Paris, mostly in Le Marais, and the third and fourth arrondissements. I was intrigued to see not just paint, but also paper collages and plaques used on walls.
Here’s what we found (including a few of Banksy’s latest works captured by photojournalists).
Giant paper collage, perhaps my favoriteTranslation: Don’t dream, fly with your wingsClose-up of plaque from previous photo
Okay, this isn’t street art, but it was on the bathroom door at Duc des Lombard Jazz Club and the French love American Jazz. Plus, it’s written in English
For 18 years, this portrait of John Hamon has been plastered around Paris. It’s the guy’s actual name and his actual photo, taken when he was 19. A bit of a mystery, his portrait has been projected onto the Eiffel tower, Arche de Triomphe and other famous facades. Essentially, he’s playing around with the idea of art being about promotion, rather than skill. His portrait has found its way around the world, so exposure versus talent is definitely a concept to ponder. The octopus is another common graffiti subject in Paris, but with Mona Lisa’s face, it’s irresistible. Notice any resemblance between John Hamon and Mona Lisa?Not street art, but interesting theatrical noticesRandomly-placed mirror. Translation: Look at you, you are beautiful. Yes, I’m talking to you!
Banksy’s tender reminder of last year’s terrorist bombing in Paris. Photographer: Thomas Samson/AFPWhimsical Banksy. Photographer: Thomas Samson/AFPHeart-breaking Banksy. Photographer: Philippe Lopez/AFPRinging-the-alarm Banksy. Photographer: Philippe Lopez/AFP
Cre8-Space 