Speedy Graphito paints school walls

Updated on: Saturday, January 09, 2010

Kolkata: French street art has now come alive on the boundary walls of La Martiniere for Girls. Famed French artist Olivier Rizzo, popularly known as Speedy Graphito, has lent his creativity to three wall panels and drawn a tiger and a lion, the latter being a part of the school emblem.

Rizzo is one of the pioneers of the French street art movement. His magic has transformed the staid walls into a work of art overnight. The wall paintings were unveiled at a function on Wednesday in the presence of Jean-Louis Rytso, the consul general of France, La Martiniere alumni, students, teachers and other dignitaries.

With Rizzo’s artwork, the school’s French connection just grew stronger. The La Martiniere schools were established in Kolkata in 1836 in accordance with the will of Major-General Claude Martin, a Frenchman settled in Lucknow.

Rizzo’s work reflects a “controlled chaos” of colour and forms. His paintings are full of evocative graphics and lively colour schemes. His work often expresses a society that is hungry for speed, images and consumption. Rizzo’s paintings mix pop culture with urban art, that too with a dollop of wit and humour.

“This wall-painting initiative is a part of Bonjour India, festival of France that is taking place in 14 cities of India. Besides La Martiniere for Girls, the artist will also work on the driveway of Studio 21,” said Leela Majumdar, president of Alliance Francaise Du Bengale.

Speedy Graphito paints school walls

More Education news