How about a stroll? Let's head for Place du Louvre to discover thestreet-art exhibition "Les Visages des Jeux" (Faces of the Games), which plunges us into the colorful, vibrant world of Jo Di Bona, an artist renowned for his singular technique combining collage and graffiti influences with pop culture.
No fewer than 24 of his works, measuring 2m by 2m, are unveiled to us in the heart of Paris, on the gates of the Quartier Jeune and the church of Saint-Germain l'Auxerrois. Jo Di Bona, volunteer ambassador for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, designed these portraits with a generous eye, evoking the poetry and emotion characteristic of his style. Through each portrait, he pays homage to human diversity, imbued with the spirit of sharing that defines him.
Jo Di Bona, sometimes referred to as the "modern-day Fauvist", has created his own artistic signature with Pop Graffiti, a technique he invented himself. His colorful faces, animated by movement and joyful effervescence, perfectly reflect the soul of the Olympic Games and those who took part in them.
This series is in fact a collaborative work. Volunteers had the opportunity to leave a lasting mark of their commitment by personalizing large blackboards on display at Games venues. Each was able to add his or her personal touch, creating a unique collective work that symbolizes the legacy of the Paris 2024 Games. Artist Jo Di Bona then sublimated these contributions by integrating portraits of emblematic athletes from this edition. This project enabled the volunteers and the City of Paris to enhance the value of their participation, while at the same time enriching the cultural legacy of the Games. This dialogue between the artist and the volunteers offers us a sensitive and vibrant vision of the Olympic Games. From Teddy Riner and Antoine Dupont to Wemby, Aurélie Aubert and Gabriel Dos Santos Araujo, discover the characters who left their mark on the Games and the unique collaborative works.
His international career, marked by a remarkable entry at the United Nations headquarters in 2017, testifies to the impact of his art far beyond France. The Faces of the Games is a further demonstration of this: a human fresco celebrating the diversities and emotions that intersected during this planetary event.
This open-air exhibition on the gates of the Quartier Jeune, 4 place du Louvre, is a genuine invitation to discover or rediscover urban art. Jo Di Bona brings together a variety of inspirations to create a coherent body of work that celebrates humanity in all its forms. It's rare to see an artist so involved in sharing and transmitting the values he conveys through his work. By exhibiting his creations at Place du Louvre, the artist makes art accessible to all, right in the heart of the city.
It can be seen as a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of this beloved urban artist, while celebrating the spirit of solidarity and enthusiasm of the Paris 2024 Games. The faces he paints with such passion reflect that same energy, that collective dynamic that drives the event. A free exhibition that brings us a little closer to the festive, human spirit of the Olympic Games.
Dates and Opening Time
From October 1, 2024 to October 31, 2024
Location
QJ - Quartier Jeunes
4 Place du Louvre
75001 Paris 1
Prices
Free
Recommended age
For all
