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The origins of street art can be traced back to New York in the 1960s, when graffiti on the city’s subway cars became popular as a form of self-expression and affirmation within a community. But at the same time, major student revolts were taking place in Paris that ended up unleashing a series of social movements throughout France in protest against consumer society and authoritarianism, known as “May 68”.
This environment fostered an artistic impulse in the streets, and graffiti, with a roller or brush, became a tool for protest. In the 90s, with the rise in stencils and spray cans, graffiti became a showcase for artists’ creations, which later spread around the world thanks to social media. And this is where we find Seth, one of France’s most internationally renowned artists for his colourful works inspired by the world of children.
The “painter of the world”
Julien Malland – the artist’s real name – was born in Paris in 1972. In the mid-90s, while studying at the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs and working in the advertising industry, he began to express himself on the walls of the city, particularly in the 20th arrondissement, where he became known within the graffiti scene for his incredible characters.
In 2003, he began travelling around the world with the intention of learning about the techniques and works of urban artists from different cultures. He has already visited more than 50 countries over the past two decades. It is no surprise that he calls himself “the painter of the world”.
These trips have had a profound impact on his style, which incorporates elements from other cultures and raises awareness of difficulties of communities in different social, political and geographical contexts. For example, his recent project “Cage Home” in Hong Kong metaphorically represents the living conditions of the 200,000 people who live in a type of housing that consists of bunk beds with cages surrounding them to protect the tenant’s belongings.
Shortly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, he painted a little girl crushing the aggressor’s tanks.
And in Kibera, Kenya, the largest slum in East Africa, he captured children walking to class in their spotless uniforms, outfits that emphasize the idea that school is a protected place which allows people to escape social determinism.
Return to childhood
As you can see, children are almost always the protagonists of Seth’s paintings, which seek to open doors to people’s subconscious – their dreams, their innocence. He often depicts them with natural elements, and surrounded by books and pencils in reference to their imagination.
His works are also characterised by their interplay with the environment, generation a sense of connection between the paintings and reality.
Before diving into a painting, the French artist does extensive research and creates sketches in a notebook. Painting on the wall is the final step. His creations are inspired by Japanese animated films, comics, and painters such as Klimt.
Throughout its history, graffiti has gone from being a clandestine art to adorning walls of museums. Seth is no exception, and his works have been exhibited all over the world. He has also shared this form of artistic expression through books and even television programmes.
Official website: https://seth.fr/