this is the bomb baby !

Street art is a form of art that uses public spaces, such as building walls, sidewalks, and bridges, as a canvas for expression. Unlike traditional art forms that are often created to be exhibited in galleries or museums, street art is meant to be seen by everyone, regardless of their social background, culture, or education.

Urban art can take many forms, such as graffiti, stencils, collages, mosaics, or installations. Street artists often use spray paint techniques to create vibrant and colorful images that capture the attention of the public. They may also incorporate political or social messages to convey their ideas and draw attention to important issues.

Street art has often been associated with hip-hop culture and political activism, but it has become a global and diverse phenomenon over time. Many cities around the world have entire neighborhoods dedicated to street art, and some even organize urban art festivals to promote this form of expression. Despite its often illegal status, street art continues to inspire and stimulate the imagination of artists and the public.

Through this artwork, I wanted to express the contradiction of urban policies that consider the street artist as a criminal but are quick to utilize their work when needed.

gorillaz: ” désolé “

Gorillaz is a British virtual band created in 1998 by musician Damon Albarn and artist Jamie Hewlett. The band is notable not only for its groundbreaking approach to music but also for its innovative use of animation and multimedia to craft a rich, immersive narrative world. Gorillaz blends a variety of musical genres, including alternative rock, hip-hop, electronic, and world music, creating a sound that defies easy categorization. Their unique concept and genre-spanning music have made them one of the most influential and innovative acts of the 21st century.

The virtual band consists of four animated characters: 2-D (vocals, keyboards), Murdoc Niccals (bass), Noodle (guitar, keyboards), and Russel Hobbs (drums). These characters are not just avatars but have their own elaborate backstories and personalities, brought to life through music videos, interviews, and other media. This fusion of music and storytelling has allowed Gorillaz to transcend the traditional boundaries of a band, turning them into a multimedia phenomenon.

Gorillaz released their self-titled debut album in 2001, which quickly gained international acclaim. The album features a mix of dark, moody tracks and catchy singles like “Clint Eastwood” and “19-2000,” showcasing the band’s eclectic sound. The success of Gorillaz was amplified by the innovative music videos that accompanied the singles, which were heavily played on music channels around the world. The album’s success established Gorillaz as a pioneering force in both music and digital art.

Their follow-up album, Demon Days (2005), cemented Gorillaz’s status as global superstars. The album’s darker, more politically charged themes reflected the anxieties of the early 21st century. Hits like “Feel Good Inc.,” “DARE,” and “Dirty Harry” became anthems of the era, with “Feel Good Inc.” winning the band a Grammy Award. Demon Days not only showcased the band’s evolving sound but also highlighted Albarn’s ability to collaborate with a wide range of artists, from De La Soul to Ike Turner, further diversifying the Gorillaz sound.

Following the success of Demon Days, Gorillaz continued to explore new musical landscapes with albums like Plastic Beach (2010) and The Fall (2011). Plastic Beach is particularly notable for its environmental themes and expansive list of collaborators, including Snoop Dogg, Lou Reed, and Bobby Womack. The album’s concept, revolving around a floating island made of debris, is a commentary on consumerism and environmental degradation, wrapped in a sonic package that blends pop, orchestral, and electronic music.

After a brief hiatus, Gorillaz returned in 2017 with Humanz, an album that was seen as a reaction to the tumultuous political climate of the time. The album featured a diverse array of guest artists, including Vince Staples, Pusha T, and Grace Jones, and continued to push the boundaries of what a Gorillaz album could be. The Now Now (2018) followed, offering a more introspective, streamlined sound compared to its predecessor.

In 2020, Gorillaz launched the Song Machine project, a series of singles and music videos released episodically throughout the year, culminating in the album Song Machine, Season One: Strange Timez. This project once again demonstrated the band’s ability to adapt and innovate, embracing the digital age’s episodic format while collaborating with artists like Robert Smith, St. Vincent, and Elton John.

Gorillaz’s impact on music and pop culture is profound. They have successfully blurred the lines between the virtual and the real, creating a band that exists both as a musical entity and as a storytelling vehicle. Their willingness to experiment with different genres and collaborate with a wide range of artists has kept their sound fresh and relevant over two decades. Gorillaz is not just a band; it is a multimedia art project that continues to evolve, challenging the norms of what a musical group can be.