In movies, in music videos, in video games, on social networks, in galleries; Street Art has invaded the global artistic landscape. Long considered a fashion phenomenon linked to the rise of urban cultures in the 2000s, the movement has become one of the most popular trends in contemporary art. The ephemeral works of artists such as OBEY, Banksy or Os Géméos are now known to all and are sold in galleries and auctions at a high price.

The Pioneers exhibition takes us back to the foundations of this movement in France. To the first feats of arms of these artists recognized as emblematic figures of Street Art, who, equipped with brushes, rudimentary bombs or cutters, made the street their space of expression. The time machine takes us back to the 1950s with Jacques Villeglé, the famous anonymous poster artist who played with the various posters he came across, tore them up, put them up and recomposed them. In the 60s, it takes us to the first ephemera of Gérard Zlotykamien, these minimalist characters drawn with spray paint in the streets of Paris.

Then it's the big jump, the 80's, their creative madness and their emancipation with Blek le rat, Epsylon, Jean Faucheur, Jef Aérosol, Miss Tic, OX, Speedy Graphito, the VLP. The stencils are raw, the images violent, the word is not high, it screams and these artists lay the foundations that will inspire thousands of artists in the decades to come. They are all here, their first historical works reunited for the first time in a journey retracing the effervescence of that time when everything was still possible. The icing on the cake, the journey through time does not stop there. If the exhibition on the ground floor of the castle gathers historical works from the 80's, the first floor offers us an immersion in their current work. For the pioneers have moved, they have come to the Cultural Institute to create works in situ on the walls to plunge us into their imaginarium.

No longer the beginnings, here it is the present where the public discovers how their style has evolved, transformed and developed today. One thing is sure, the meeting between the moldings of the 18th century and the bombs of these artists always in search of modernity will create a new striking and saving contrast.

Practical information

• Saturday and Sunday from 1pm to 6pm
• Reservation online or on site
• Guided tours: 4:30pm > 6pm (included in the price)

Exhibition organized under the patronage of Château Pape Clément, Grand Cru Classé de Graves.