Paris, April 22 – The 13th arrondissement of Paris, a vibrant open-air museum for street art since 2010, welcomes a new mural by the internationally acclaimed artist Seth, also known as Julien Malland. The artwork, located on a large wall of a social housing building on Rue Émile-Deslandres, at the intersection of Rue Croulebarbe, was completed this week.
Seth’s Return to a Familiar Canvas
This new creation marks a significant return for Seth to this specific location. His previous work had adorned the same wall before being covered during thermal insulation operations on the building. The 13th arrondissement town hall had made a commitment to bring the same artist back once the work was completed, a promise that has now been fulfilled.
Seth, a 53-year-old Parisian, is a prominent figure in the street art scene. For over two decades, his distinctive colorful characters, often depicting children carrying dreams and symbols, have graced walls across the globe. In the 13th arrondissement, his art is already a familiar sight along Boulevard Vincent-Auriol, a central artery of Parisian street art featuring some fifty painted facades, as well as in Butte-aux-Cailles and the Louise-Bourgeois school. He recently established his studio in the arrondissement, solidifying his status as an integral artist of the 13th.
A Luminous French Artist with a Global Reach
Seth’s artistic influence extends far beyond the local Parisian scene. In February 2022, just three days after the start of the Russian offensive in Ukraine, Seth spontaneously painted “L’Ukraine en marche” (Ukraine on the March) on Rue Buot, also in the 13th arrondissement. This powerful image of a little girl with a blue and yellow flag trampling tanks became a symbol of hope and resistance, reproduced on the walls of a bomb shelter and even transformed into a Ukrainian postal stamp.
In 2019, he created a giant fresco on a gable in the 20th arrondissement, paying tribute to the street artist Zoo Project, who tragically passed away at the age of 23. Beyond his murals, Seth is also an accomplished writer, illustrator, and editor. He has collaborated with various companies, notably illustrating the “Cahiers Engagés” for the Esquisse brand for E.Leclerc, focusing on the theme of equal opportunities. This week, Michel-Édouard Leclerc, president of the eponymous brand, acknowledged his encounter with Seth at work, describing him as “one of the most prolific, most luminous French urban artists.”
The 13th Arrondissement: A Hub for Street Art
The 13th arrondissement continues to champion street art as a means of cultural enrichment and urban beautification. The commitment to restoring Seth’s work underscores the value placed on public art and the recognition of artists who contribute to the city’s unique aesthetic. The area’s dedication to street art has transformed it into a dynamic and engaging space for both residents and visitors, offering an ever-evolving gallery of contemporary urban expression.
The new mural on Rue Émile-Deslandres is expected to become another landmark in the arrondissement’s impressive collection of street art, further cementing its reputation as a must-visit destination for art enthusiasts. The vibrant colors and evocative imagery characteristic of Seth’s style are sure to captivate passersby and add to the rich tapestry of Parisian street art.
The project highlights a successful collaboration between an artist and local authorities, demonstrating how public spaces can be revitalized and made more engaging through art. It also reinforces the idea that art can be resilient, returning to its rightful place even after temporary interruptions.
The 13th arrondissement’s initiative to integrate street art into its urban fabric provides a powerful example of how cities can embrace creativity to enhance their cultural landscape and foster a sense of community. Seth’s latest mural is a testament to this ongoing commitment, offering a fresh perspective and a renewed splash of color to the streets of Paris.
