Mural Paintings: Hardly Graffiti in Lyon

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Mural Paintings: Hardly Graffiti in Lyon
You can imagine my reaction when I found myself in Lyons, a city with over 150 painted walls. They are, to my mind, works of art. Having written once before about Trompe-L’Oeil in Perigueux, but I now entered the grand city of Lyon to a dazzling array of pictorial art whose roots are common to all civilizations. This is the first art form known to man going back some 35,000 years with figurative murals appearing in Europe during the Paleolithic era. Today’s graffiti is mostly a result of angst in major cities where people who just don’t care, deface private buildings with grotesque smudges of every kind. In Paris, where buildings are often painted brown or gray, these ugly blights on the landscape are painted over and for a few weeks they look clean. In Canada where I live, this urban blight is difficult to control. I once complained to city authorities about a mural of ugly shapes and colors graced a neighborhood wall. The inspector who was assigned to answer my anxiety said he thought it was nice. I think not.However, what I did see in Lyon was something else. The unusual murals made the city special. They light up neighborhoods and bring a smile to a visitor’s face. The historical value is incalculable, The city’s heritage can come to life in this way. Historically, we have had frescoes, wall decorations and murals dating back to Pompeii. They transmit messages of both love and revolt. In New York in the late 60s, underprivileged black and Latin American minorities used graffiti as a form of individual expression. The underground in New York became a subject of repression. In Berlin it was used to show opposition to Communism. In France, in the 80s, the art form flourished in the suburbs. This was symbolic of a mixed society. This continues but in Lyon it has taken a turn. It enhances the look of the city and is now an object of pride. Tony Garnier’s unique contribution to this art form has transformed one section of Lyon that is a must for visitors to this illuminated city. It is a treat for the eyes and the palate, but that’s a subject for another day. Imagine my delight when our tour-bus paused in front of some of these artistic and cultural masterpieces. Guided tours can be taken at Tony Garnier Urban Museum Association,4 rue des Serpollieres, 69008 Lyon.Tel: 04 78 75 16 75 There are excellent examples of this art form in other countries. Such as Israel, Japan Russia and even here, not far from Montreal, Lyon has also dedicated a Space to the Mexican Muralist Diego Rivera. Some very intricate murals can be seen today. I must add that this is only one reason to see this city. It is famous for its food, which we sampled. It is on the shores of the Rhone and the Soane. We found it clean, safe and alive with people shopping or just seeing the sights. There is part of the city that is high above the river, offering wonderful views. The churches are special and the museums are world class. I do recommend the Museum of The resistence which is graphic and well designed. Here you can learn of the exploits of resistance head, Jean Moulin and the trials that took place after World War II. Take your camera along. The statues are worth remembering. Even the people were cordial and helpful. It’s a small Paris with the joie de vivre you’d expect in this beautiful setting. Other country contact numbers are: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]: www.muralecreation.com
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