2-minutes read
Step inside the iconic Parisian Museum and discover a new street art exhibit seamlessly blended with conventional masterpieces and the architectural beauty of the Petit Palais.
Here is a look at” We Are Here.”
We Are Here
Led by iconic street artists such as Shepard Fairey, D*Face, Invader, and Seth, this exhibition features over 200 artworks. Alongside the permanent exhibit, which focuses on traditional paintings and sculptures from the late 19th to early 20th centuries, these street artworks, ranging from tiny tiles to monumental paintings, are seamlessly integrated into the various museum galleries.
My Highlights
A Celebration of the Republic
One of the galleries focuses on celebrating the French Republic. This theme is depicted through the French flag, the revolutionary figure Marianne, and the motto ‘Freedom, Equality, Fraternity.’
Following the 2015 terrorist attack in Paris, artist Shepard Fairey (OBEY) created a mixed media piece on canvas titled “Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité.” Later, his mural in the 13th district of Paris was altered when someone added red tears. Fairey embraced this change, and now the teardrop symbolizes those who oppose injustice and fight for human rights.
Artist Connor Harrington combines historic and modern symbols in his acrylic painting “Down with the King.” His work highlights a declining monarch on his throne, represented by a melted face and cake. This contrasts with the dynamic and powerful representation of the lower class, embodied by French soccer player Mbappe during the 2018 World Cup victory.
The Salon
The exhibit concludes with an awesome display of artwork. Indeed, 60 street artists are featured in the Salle Concorde. This juxtaposition of international works, with their diverse styles and artistic codes, is a nod to the first Salon des Refusés. In 1863, Napoléon III allowed artists excluded from the French conservative academy’s selection to showcase their work to the public. Renowned artists like Manet presented their controversial paintings, such as “Déjeuner sur l’herbe.”
This article is based on my visit in 2024.
Ready to explore Pop Art?
Plan your visit:
- Location: Avenue Winston Churchill 75008 Paris
- Hours: 10:00 am-6:00 pm Tuesday-Sunday. Closed on Monday.
- Exhibit on view from June 12th, 2024 – January 19th, 2025
- Free Admission
- Duration: I spent 2 hours discovering it.
- Parking: limited metered street parking
- More information is available at https://www.petitpalais.paris.fr/expositions/we-are-here
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