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[title]From April 13th to 16th, the Carreau du Temple in the 3rd district of Paris will host 36 galleries from around the world, with 20 solo shows featuring the cream of the crop of urban artists. A unique opportunity to delve deep into the works of essential artists such as M. Chat, Vhils, Invader, or Lek & Sowat, as well as to discover promising newcomers.
In addition to the now-famous "Hors les murs" program, which invites artists exhibiting at the fair to take over the famous M.U.R Oberkampf, the Urban Art Fair proposes an unusual encounter between street art and French chic at the Galeries Lafayette Champs-Elysées this year. Present on the stand of the Brussels gallery Mazel, the visual artist Astro is doubling up on the Champs with an XXL work in the majestic Atrium of the Galeries Lafayette Champs-Elysées, to be seen until April 24th.
An artwork that plays with the senses
Astro is known for his unique lettering skills, which he plaques on cryptic 3D works. Coming from the graffiti world, this 41-year-old self-taught artist first decorated the northern suburbs of Paname with his wildstyle-inspired graffs in the 2000s, before moving towards abstract calligraphy and more conceptual work. His thing? Disturbing the viewer with trompe-l'œil.
His installation at the Galeries Lafayette Champs-Elysées, entitled Blue Floating Links, is a triptych combining sculpture, ornamental art, and illusion that questions the very essence of urban art. Convinced that street art is above all a contextual art, Astro conceives his works according to the location, and he draws inspiration here from the colossal volume of the Atrium to extend it and play with the spectators' senses.
More than a tribute to this high Art Deco spot, Astro's work brilliantly links Parisian heritage and street art. A meeting that once again demonstrates the desire of the Galeries Lafayette Foundation to support contemporary artists and the creation of its time.
Practical information
Galeries Lafayette Champs-Elysées
Address: 60 av. des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris
Opening hours: Open every day from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm