Jérôme Mesnager, “C’est Nous les Gars de Ménilmopntant’, Mural in Paris, Ménilmontant district, 1995. Prou was known for his stencil-based art and for his political and social commentary, while Mesnager – whose work is still widely exhibited in galleries and museums around the world – was known for his simple, yet striking, images of white figures, which he painted on building and walls throughout the city. Blek le Rat (aka Xavier Prou) and Jérôme Mesnager are commonly cited as the two pioneers of the movement.

But it wasn’t until the 1980s that street art truly began to flourish in the French capital.

These protests were marked by a surge of creative expression, including street art, which emerged as a means of political and social commentary.

Street art has a long and notable history in Paris: one that dates back to the 1960s and the May ‘68 protests, where students led anti-capitalist revolts against the policies of the then-president, Charles de Gaulle, and against the American Vietnam War and its effects. Most visitors come to Paris to explore its grand museums and historic landmarks, but the city is also home to an energetic street art scene that offers a unique perspective on Parisian culture.

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