We Are Here: Urban Art Takes Over the Petit Palais
From June 12 to November 17, 2024, the Petit Palais in Paris is hosting a groundbreaking urban art exhibition titled “We Are Here”. This event marks the first time the Petit Palais has opened its doors to urban artists, inviting them to engage in a unique dialogue with the museum’s permanent collections and its historic architecture.
The title itself, “We Are Here,” has been used as a slogan in various historical and contemporary contexts, such as the civil rights movement, symbolizing the visibility and legitimacy that street art has achieved.
A Celebration of Street Art
By integrating street art with the classical collections of the Petit Palais, the exhibition creates a dialogue between contemporary and historical art. This juxtaposition emphasizes the evolution of artistic expression and the ongoing relevance of street art in today’s cultural landscape.
Curated by Mehdi Ben Cheikh, Director of Galerie Itinerrance, and Annick Lemoine, Director of the Petit Palais, the exhibition features works from thirteen prominent street artists, including Shepard Fairey, Invader, D*Face, Seth, Cleon Peterson, Hush, Swoon, Vhils, Inti, Add Fuel, and Conor Harrington. These artists have created monumental pieces that interact with the museum’s classical art, creating a dynamic and immersive experience for visitors.
Engaging Activities for Kids
The exhibition also includes special activities for children, such as painting workshops where young visitors can create their own art inspired by the street artists featured in the exhibition. These workshops are designed to be fun and educational, encouraging kids to explore their creativity while learning about the vibrant world of urban art.
A Historic Milestone
The exhibition is not just a showcase of art but a significant cultural event. It coincides with the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, highlighting the city’s commitment to embracing modernity while honoring its rich artistic heritage. The title “We Are Here” resonates with themes of affirmation, resilience, and visibility, reflecting the street art movement’s journey from the fringes to mainstream recognition.
An Immersive Experience
Visitors can explore over 200 works displayed in a single gallery, designed to evoke the spirit of historical art salons like the Salon des Refusés and the Salon d’Automne. This setup not only pays homage to past artistic revolutions but also positions street art within the broader context of art history.
The “We Are Here” exhibition at the Petit Palais features several standout pieces from renowned street artists. Here are a few highlights:
Shepard Fairey’s Mural: Known for his iconic “Hope” poster of Barack Obama, Shepard Fairey has created a large-scale mural that explores themes of peace and social justice.
Invader’s Mosaic Installations: Invader, famous for his pixelated mosaics inspired by 8-bit video games, has installed several new pieces throughout the museum, blending his modern style with the classical architecture.
D*Face’s Sculptures: D*Face has contributed a series of sculptures that challenge traditional notions of beauty and decay, creating a striking contrast with the museum’s permanent collections.
Seth’s Immersive Installations: Seth, known for his colorful and whimsical characters, has created immersive installations that invite visitors to step into his imaginative world.
Vhils’ Carved Portraits: Vhils, who carves portraits into walls using drills and chisels, has created several new works that reflect on identity and the passage of time.
These pieces, along with many others, make “We Are Here” a must-see exhibition for anyone interested in the dynamic and evolving world of urban art.
Are there any specific artists or styles you’re particularly excited to see?
Free and Accessible to All
In line with the principles of the street art movement, the exhibition is free to the public, ensuring that art remains accessible to everyone. The Petit Palais aims to foster a sense of community and shared cultural experience, making this exhibition a must-visit for both art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
Overall, “We Are Here” at the Petit Palais is more than an exhibition; it’s a celebration of the transformative power of urban art. By bringing street art into the heart of one of Paris’s most prestigious museums, the event underscores the city’s role as a global cultural leader and a beacon of artistic innovation.
For more details, you can visit the official pages here and here. https://www.petitpalais.paris.fr/en/expositions/we-are-here
Are you planning to visit the exhibition?
