HomeSport"Creative Street Art Transforms Paris Ahead of Olympics"

“Creative Street Art Transforms Paris Ahead of Olympics”

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PARIS — Paris is experiencing a vibrant surge of creativity in conjunction with the Olympic Games, showcasing nearly 30 colorful street art pieces that have emerged across bustling metro stations, large billboards at the airport, and in front of the city hall. One of the artworks features French fencer Ysaora Thibus in action, while another depicts canoeists paddling down the River Seine. Many pieces capture individuals enjoying life in a busy urban environment. This original artwork is spread throughout Paris and other nearby host cities as part of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“As we approach the Olympics, there is a lot of energy, and people are coming from all over the world,” said JonOne, a New Yorker who has lived in Paris for 30 years and is regarded as a pioneer in street art. He is one of six recognized street artists from four continents whose works are currently displayed at train stations, airports, and advertisement screens. The artists, selected through a campaign supported by Visa to benefit small businesses, include Marko 93 and Olivia De Bona from France, Alex Senna from Brazil, Vexta from Australia, and Swoon from the USA.

“Why not use street art?” said JonOne, 60, whose art can be seen in various locations in Paris, including the Palais Royal–Musée du Louvre station. It took two months and five collaborators to complete the blue, white, and red abstract piece that covers 250 square meters of wall at the busy station. “It projects a lot of energy and youth culture,” he noted. “It’s a good time to showcase our art.”

The campaign is designed as an outdoor exhibition curated by Nicolas Laugero Lasserre, an expert in urban art. The 28 original pieces will be on display until September 8. “Just like elite athletes, artists share values such as tolerance, openness, curiosity, and self-overcoming,” said Lasserre. “Connecting art and sport is one of the cornerstones of Olympism.”

Each artwork highlights the spirit of different neighborhoods—such as Saint-Denis, Montmartre, and Rue Montorgueil—reflecting the vibrancy of cafés, bookstores, and shops that have become an essential part of Paris and the broader Île-de-France region. These pieces can also be found in the airports of Lille, Lyon, and Marseille, which are hosting some of the Olympic events. “We asked the artists to show us their version of Paris in the most authentic way,” said Juan Arturo Herrera, a business administrator and marketing executive at Visa International.

“Street art is the most accessible art form,” he stated. “It’s universal. We have seen it in cities for decades now. It has made its way into museums, and we wanted to bring it back out. We see this as the largest exhibition of outdoor art in public space.”

De Bona, a Parisian artist, feels proud to bring her artwork to her hometown, for families, and visitors from around the world. “It was so moving,” she said. “I see how art makes my city so beautiful. It’s a privilege to represent France for all these people coming to Paris from around the world.”

De Bona, 39, recalls a time when street art and graffiti were not widely accepted by the public. However, she has witnessed a positive shift in perception and within an industry that was once male-dominated. “People need images on the streets,” she said. “It should be welcoming for art. We are the bridge for people who don’t believe it belongs in a museum. We bring art to the people. This is our way of expressing ourselves and existing.”

Marko 93 mentioned that his passion for street art has kept him motivated despite skepticism. As a youth, he became fascinated with the evolution of graffiti during the hip-hop era in New York in the 1980s, which he referred to as graffiti’s “promised land.” “It’s all about perseverance,” said the 51-year-old during a live performance while painting a fencer along the Seine. “Art is also about persistence. This passion drives us to move forward and push our boundaries.”

One day, JonOne hopes to see art reintroduced as a competition at the Olympics. Art competitions were first included in the Olympics in Stockholm in 1912, where medals were awarded in five categories: architecture, literature, music, painting, and sculpture. The International Olympic Committee discontinued these competitions at the London Games in 1948, and a subsequent attempt to reinstate them was rejected four years later. “Artists are also like athletes,” said JonOne. “I respect athletes in basketball and running. Art isn’t really a sport, but it should be included in the Olympics. Just surviving as an artist is an Olympic sport.”
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