The sleepy Southern French town of Perpignan has been awakened, not by clanging church bells or bustling daytime markets, but by the unexpected arrival of an enormous new mural by Portuguese artist, Braga Last1. Since its completion in late September, the mural has generated buzz in the art world and drawn attention to the vilified medium of graffiti.
The murals’ stretch is impressive, stretching an impressive five storeys up the side of a housing block, it’s rich, bold colors breathing new life into the previously nondescript urban surroundings. Braga Last1, known for his immersive site-specific mural art, has once again defied limits with this latest creation.
The mural features a faceless man engrossed in a riveting book. With vivid hues of blue, red, purple and orange popping against the stark, white canvas of the building, the artist has successfully managed to portray the little reader’s rapt fascination and the pleasure derived from reading.
Online art portals and social media platforms are ablaze with praise for this remarkable display of public art. Close to home, France’s premier digital street art repository, Maquis-Art, has hailed Braga Last1’s mural as a “masterpiece”. On Instagram, posts tagged with #BragaLast1 have seen a significant uptick since the mural’s unveiling, with admirers capturing the work from many angles. Subsequently, even digitally involved bystanders from across the globe can revel in the visual feast.
Art critics are similarly enthused. In the view of an art critic at Italian contemporary art web portal, Artribune, “what makes it fascinating is not only its sheer scale and audacity but also its ability to inspire new dialogue about the role of street art in revitalizing urban spaces.” The mural, meanwhile, is featured as ‘Photo of the Day’ by UK’s urban culture blog, Hookedblog.
On the global art scene, Braga Last1 has made a name for himself through his vibrant, multifaceted, and voraciously creative approach to street art. This latest work further solidifies his reputation as a driving force in contemporary art.
The project was commissioned by La Casa Musicale, a local cultural association, known for its efforts to transform the cultural landscape of Perpignan. Their vision aligns with the artist’s aim to “decorate the world,” turning unassuming cityscapes into vibrant and inspiring public masterpieces.
However, not everyone hails the arrival of such large-scale street art with open arms. Some locals have voiced concerns, primarily regarding graffiti’s reputation for undermining property values and inciting crime. Yet many have been placated by the skilled execution of the mural and its culturally elevating subject matter.
Nevertheless, Braga Last1’s Perpignan spectacle brings to the forefront longstanding debates around street art. Graffiti, once linked to petty crime and urban decay, is increasingly being viewed as a legitimate form of public art. The contribution of artists like Braga Last1 is metamorphosing perceptions about graffiti, providing an invaluable platform for social commentary, cultural expression, and urban revitalization.
As more city walls become adorned with such thought-provoking murals, it becomes crucial for us to engage in discussions about what constitutes art, who it should serve, and where it is permitted to flourish. The compelling narrative and sheer magnificence of Braga Last1’s Perpignan masterpiece serve as reminders that art truly is in the eye of the beholder.
Original Source: https://www.streetartbio.com/news/2020/05/07/braga-last1-mural-in-southern-france/
