In 2008, Shepard Fairey, also known as Obey, made a splash on the global art scene by creating the famous red and blue portrait of Barack Obama during his campaign for the presidency. In 2025, the American artist is heading to Paris with an exceptional artwork designed specifically for the facade of the Hôtel de Ville. A giant mural, visible from the square, is set to be unveiled very soon.
The square in front of the Hôtel de Ville is getting a makeover
For a few months now, the square in front of the Paris City Hall has been completely off-limits. Meters of barriers block access for all passersby, hiding the facade of the building. And there's good reason for this—this Parisian square is undergoing a massive renovation to bring it to life.
a real urban forest that will be unveiled on June 21st.See this post on Instagram
But that won't be the only event to liven up the place on the summer solstice day. In fact, on the same occasion, a huge mural imagined by the street artist Obey will be unveiled, and it will take place on each of the side wings of the&.rsquo;hôtel particulier. According to the first posters displayed around the capital, the artwork will feature a female face, with a red tear under each eye, accompanied by the words « Respect », « Earth », « Resist », and « Unite ».
An exhibition that continues inside
This is part of the brand new free exhibition at the venue, From Paris to Belém : 10 years of global climate actions, which will open on the same day. Obey, a highly committed artist, has been selected to complement this event that traces the commitments made by major cities since the COP21 and the Summit of 1000 Mayors held in Paris in November 2015.
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This isn't the first time that Shepard Fairey has transformed the capital into his playground, as he has already created various artworks on the streets of Paris. We remember, for example, his giant mandala, A Delicate Balance, showcased in the 13th district in 2016, or his mural Knowledge + Action = Power, located just a stone's throw from the Centre Pompidou.
Obey
Parvis de l’Hôtel de Ville – 4th
Starting June 21, 2025
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