Paris Street Art
There’s something about art in an everyday setting that makes you stop and think. It helps break the daily grind apart, and is something I enjoy encountering when traveling, or even in the city I’m living in. When you mention street art, the first thing people usually think of is graffiti or vandalism. But, that’s often not the case. While territorial graffiti exists, street art is defined as visual art created in public locations and includes stenciled graffiti, poster art, pop-up art, sculptures and street installations.
I first got into street art after reading Phoebe Hoban’s Basquiat: A Quick Killing in Art.
Side note, If you’re fascinated about the social scene in New York City in the 80’s, it’s a good book to read, because Basquiat was right in the thick of it all.
I always research street art of any city I’m traveling to, and Paris was no exception. While I was most excited to see Paris’ iconic street artist, Space Invader’s mosaic pixel art, I was surprised with the diversity. There are some pretty neat Paris street art walking tours that you can participate in, but I chose to do mine solo. I took close to 150 photos during the four weeks I was in Paris; here are a few of my favorites.
The next time you find yourself in Paris, or any major city for that matter, keep an eye out for street art. It’ll get you questioning your surroundings and interpreting the piece you see. Art is everywhere, sometimes you just have to be aware.
