Artist
Born in Paris, France
The Liberation of the Canvas
Julien de Casabianca-Caumer is a French visual artist, filmmaker, photographer, and street artist whose work seeks to dissolve the boundaries between the hallowed halls of classical museums and the vibrant, unpredictable pulse of the urban landscape. His artistic journey is marked by a profound desire to liberate masterpieces from their often static and isolated museum environments. This creative impulse was ignited during a visit to the Louvre Museum, where he observed a painting by Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres tucked away in a corner, seemingly forgotten by the passing crowds. This moment of realization—that great art can become invisible when confined to traditional settings—became the catalyst for his most significant contribution to contemporary visual culture.
In 2014, he initiated The Outings Project, a transformative endeavor that breathes new life into canonical works. Through this project, de Casabianca-Caumer photographs paintings from local museums and meticulously transforms them into large-scale paste-ups on city walls. By transplanting these figures from their gilded frames onto the concrete textures of the street, he merges the perceptions of classical art with the raw energy of street art. His work invites a new audience of city dwellers and passersby to engage with historical icons in an unexpected, democratic context, effectively bringing the museum to the people.
A Multidisciplinary Evolution
Before his emergence as a prominent figure in the street art scene, de Casabianca-Caumer navigated a different professional path, serving as a journalist during the 1990s under the name Julien Caumer. This background in investigative journalism, which included work for publications such as L'Express, likely contributed to his keen eye for narrative and his ability to uncover and recontextualize stories within the art world. His transition from documenting reality through text to reshaping it through visual collage represents a seamless evolution of storytelling.
His technical approach is characterized by the creation of monumental collages featuring characters extracted from museum paintings. This process of extraction and re-placement allows him to manipulate the scale and impact of historical figures, turning them into urban landmarks. His photographic work, which stems directly from these large-scale street interventions, has been recognized globally, leading to exhibitions in diverse locations such as:
Musée d'Art et d'Histoire de Genève, Switzerland
Cummer Museum of Art & Botanical Garden, USA
Musée d'Ixelles, Belgium
Musée de Langres, France
Galerie Nationale, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Global Engagements and Artistic Legacy
The reach of de Casabianca-Caumer’s work extends far beyond the streets of Paris, as numerous prestigious institutions worldwide have invited him to engage with their collections. His ability to bridge the gap between different eras and mediums has made him a sought-after collaborator for museums looking to revitalize their historical treasures. He has been an invited artist at several notable institutions, including the Musée Carnavalet in Paris, the Mauritshuis Museum in The Hague, and the Palais Beaux-Arts de Lille.
His recent activities demonstrate a continued commitment to international dialogue and artistic residency, with projects spanning from Mexico to Poland. Whether through lectures at universities or large-scale mural festivals, his work remains focused on the intersection of the classical and the contemporary. By stripping away the elitist barriers of the museum wall, Julien de Casabianca-Caumer ensures that the beauty and historical significance of the masters remain a living, breathing part of the modern human experience.
Museum
On show in Stavanger, Norway
Nuart Festival: A Living Canvas of Urban Expression
Nestled within the vibrant coastal city of Stavanger, Norway, lies a phenomenon that has irrevocably altered the landscape – both physical and artistic – of this Nordic gem: the Nuart Festival. More than simply an art exhibition, it’s a dynamic, ever-evolving celebration of contemporary urban art, a testament to the power of street art as a legitimate and profoundly impactful form of expression. Founded in 2001 with a bold vision to legitimize this often-marginalized medium, Nuart has blossomed into one of the world's foremost platforms for showcasing cutting-edge murals, stencil work, and a breathtaking spectrum of urban artistic techniques. The festival isn’t confined to galleries or pristine white walls; it explodes onto the streets, transforming Stavanger into an open-air museum where art breathes alongside daily life.
At its core, Nuart is driven by a commitment to supporting artists who push the boundaries of their craft. The festival consistently attracts globally recognized street artists – from established masters to emerging talents – each invited to create site-specific artworks that engage with their environment in unique and often thought-provoking ways. These aren’t fleeting tags or temporary installations; they are carefully considered pieces designed to spark dialogue, challenge perspectives, and contribute meaningfully to the urban fabric. A key element of Nuart's success is its dedication to “site-specificity,” ensuring that each artwork is intrinsically linked to its location, responding to architectural details, social contexts, and the very spirit of Stavanger.
The Ever-Changing Collection
Unlike traditional museums with fixed collections, Nuart’s ‘collection’ exists in a perpetual state of becoming. Each September, as the festival unfolds, Stavanger is adorned with a new constellation of murals, stencils, and installations – a living testament to the creativity and dynamism of contemporary urban art. These artworks aren't simply painted onto walls; they are integrated into the city’s architecture, often utilizing building facades as canvases for intricate designs and powerful messages. The festival also incorporates indoor exhibitions, workshops, talks, and film screenings, expanding its reach far beyond the streets and offering a comprehensive experience that delves deeper into the world of street art.
The history of Nuart is intertwined with Stavanger’s own transformation. Initially met with skepticism, the festival quickly gained momentum, attracting both artists and visitors alike. Over the years, it has played a significant role in shaping the city's cultural identity, fostering a sense of community pride and establishing Stavanger as a global hub for contemporary art. The influence extends beyond Norway’s borders, inspiring similar initiatives in cities around the world – a testament to Nuart’s pioneering spirit.
A Community-Driven Experience
What truly distinguishes Nuart from other festivals is its unwavering commitment to accessibility and community engagement. Art isn't confined to viewing rooms; it’s brought directly to the public, free of charge, making it available to everyone – regardless of background or circumstance. The festival actively involves local residents in the creative process through workshops, collaborative projects, and open-door events, fostering a sense of ownership and connection with the artwork. Furthermore, Nuart serves as a vital platform for dialogue about urban spaces, social issues, and the role of art in shaping our society – prompting reflection on themes ranging from environmental sustainability to social justice.
Exploring Stavanger Through Nuart
Visiting Nuart Festival is an immersive experience. The festival’s footprint extends across Stavanger, Utsira, and even reaches into Oslo, creating a sprawling network of artistic interventions. Beyond the stunning murals, visitors can delve deeper through guided walking tours, artist talks, and workshops that offer insights into the creative process and the stories behind each piece. Don't miss the opportunity to explore Nuart’s Google Arts & Culture project, which provides a virtual journey through the festival’s history and highlights some of its most iconic artworks. For more information on upcoming festivals, artists, and events, please visit
the official website
.
Beyond the Streets: Nuart's Legacy
Nuart’s impact extends beyond its annual festival run. The organization has fostered a thriving street art scene in Stavanger, encouraging local artists and promoting public art initiatives throughout the city. The “Vlek” project, for example, utilizes stickers to create temporary interventions on public spaces, sparking conversations about urban design and community engagement. Nuart’s commitment to supporting emerging talent and fostering a vibrant artistic ecosystem ensures that its legacy will continue to shape Stavanger's cultural landscape for years to come.
