C215

C215, a mysterious name that can refer to a pantone color as well as a chemical formula. But behind this code name hides in fact one of the most influential actors of the street art in France. Christian Guémy, alias C215, born in France in 1973.

It is in 2006 that the artist subscribes to the practice of stencil and graffiti, an activity that will never leave him from that moment. He trained in history and economics, wishing to model himself as a modern-day humanist, and will gradually move towards Art History.

From this path, a fascination for the work of Caravaggio was born. C215 seeks to retranscribe the brilliance and beauty of these art classics in our current cities. To do so, he will take possession of the walls of his city, in Ivry-sur-Seine, and paint dreamlike and colorful works.

The trigger for him was a heartbreak. He separated from his wife and could not see his 4 year old daughter grow day after day. Determined to show her that he still thinks about her on a daily basis, he will draw a picture of his former wife and daughter Nina on a facade in his neighborhood. An event that will mark the beginning of his career as an urban painter.

His daughter and more broadly the world of childhood, will be among his favorite subjects, always present in his work, but C215 will address other themes more universal. Always in a humanist perspective, he will be interested in those who are marginalized, left behind in society in order to highlight them in the public space. The anonymous become the stars of his stencils. He also touches on lighter imaginations and likes to draw couples in love or animals, especially cats.

C215's works are mainly human-sized to be as close as possible to reality and passers-by, with the exception of certain more imposing wall creations. It will emanate sparkling colors and a particularly worked lighting. We will perceive the character of his models through the features and expressions that are depicted. The faces come alive and blow a wind of poetry on the city.

For the artist, street art must merge with its environment, interact with the elements that make it up and demonstrate a true aestheticism. His first reference is none other than Ernest Pignon Ernest, tutelary figure of street art in France.

His work has since spread beyond the capital and its suburbs to the whole world, both in the street and in museums. He can be recognized by his graphic signature, symbolizing a cube in which is inscribed his blaze (name or signature for a street artist) C215.