Paris in Colour
Dramatic and alluring, Paris is the European capital of art and the artistic. After all, it is the birthplace of the Belle Époque, the land of the Impressionists, a playground for literary greats (Hemingway, Stein and Fitzgerald spring to mind) and a city of love and revolution. And then there are the locals. Synonymous with elegance, the Parisian, and their unparalleled sense of ‘no fuss’ style, have an in-built appreciation of all things beautiful.
But nowadays there’s more to the artistic scene of this thoroughly modern city. Yes, being exquisite, traditional and passionate are rather wonderful traits to have, but true French contemporary character is found in the lesser-known backstreets. There’s something perfectly charming and just a little bit subversive about Paris’ vibrant street art.
Covering the corners of the Marais and spreading across the city from there, these little works, painted anonymously onto walls in the dead of the night, mix quirk, whimsy and daring. Any work that springs up in the Marais quickly becomes part of a greater collage; plastered, painted or tiled over by the next artist with a creative enough thought in their head. A crepe or a falafel in hand (you’re in the food-loving Marais after all) you can spend hours pondering images of cars, space invaders and monsters in every imaginable shape – and wonder who exactly left them there. No doubt throngs of locals will join you in your ambling.
For street art with an intellectual flair head to the Latin Quarter, the centre of Parisian academic life. Packed with libraries, bird-filled squares, cafes and the Sorbonne, the art you find here may not be as chaotic and compact as that of the Marais, but it’s certainly thought-provoking. Adapted quotes, reclaimed street signs and a yearning for freedom; here colour and zeal reign supreme.
Naturally, the Musee d’Orsay, Musee de l’Orangerie and Louvre must be visited – few things are as grand as a roomful of Monet or Grand Masters – but for the newest, most uplifting art you’re going to have to take to the streets.
