Paris Street Art: In Situ at Fort d'Aubervillers

On what turned out to be an extremely hot day (even for my Italian accomplice, it wasn't just my mainly British-conditioning) and the final day of In Situ, I went to go check it out before it was closed. And I am mighty glad we braved the heat because it was well worth a visit. 

One of the first few pieces.

The entrance gate to Fort d'Aubervillers.

This was one of my favorites, though a little unnerving with all the eyeballs, I loved the contrast of textures between the slightly rusty corrugated iron at the back and Victorian-esque angel perching among the rocks and eyes.

Ram-skull..? I am sold. I have a minor (major?) fascination with these...!

What really struck me about the exhibit was location combined with the colors. Though it felt a little like we were attending an exhibition in the desert at times (the foliage in these pictures are deceiving as most of the land was barren- owing to the concrete), the sheer brightness and power of the art in a somewhat neglected grey space was very effective. Also put me in any abandoned place that has been reclaimed by humans and I am happy...

My friend that came with me also commented (and I agree) that more ugly warehouse type buildings ought to be spruced up like this. Like William Morris said, 'Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or beautiful', or in this case, outside..!

This one below was a tribute to the punks that occupied the space after it ceased to be of use to the military.

Several burnt out cars had also been reclaimed as an unconventional canvas, I recognized the handiwork of the one below from some art in the 13 arrondissement of Paris.

 And this one reminded me of the picture I saw in Strasbourg, I think its the same artist.

 This was one of my favorite areas, where the artists were each assigned an alcove to fill.

Gagged chicken, just 'cuz.

Catacombs anyone??

 I adored this one, with all the butterflies, it deff struck a cord- books can indeed inspire dreams.

This one below is just stunning, "Open your Eyes".

 A WIP.

And finally, I leave you with Superman.

Rue des Thermopyles Jardin en Fête

Over the last few months the local community here on rue des Thermopyles (where I have lived for the last five months in an artist's commune I have semi-affectionately dubbed "The Rabbit Warren") have been renovating a forgotten park that was in need of some love and affection; yesterday they had the opening and the whole street was invited. 

Gardin party!

Photos of the project.

The sense of community was fantastic and I have never felt like I was in such a "French" atmosphere, they sang local songs, danced and we ate homemade food. It was a great experience, even if talking to my neighbours was problematic due to my lack of useful French.

Thankfully they left behind some markers of the previous site, such as remnants of the graffiti, which adds to the eco-urban feel of the square and sense of individual personality. Rue des Thermopyles is such a unique street, to make its parc a uniform green space would have been a true shame.

I have been staring in through the bars for weeks watching the progress and it was great to finally get behind them, especially to reach the little blue and red man who I have been dying to get a photo of (you know how it is, when you are literally barred from something, you will want it/in no matter what).