The Belleville Belvedere, a temple of street art
The Belleville Belvedere is known for its street art works by the artist Seth and its mosaics.
It is located in the 20th arrondissement of Paris, more specifically in the Belleville district.
What is the history of the Belleville district?
Before the 19th century, the Belleville district, located in the northeast of Paris, was essentially farmland where vineyards were cultivated.
In 1860, the Belleville district was annexed to Paris.
Following the strong industrialization of the economy at the end of the 19th century, a large working-class population came to Paris and settled in the working-class district of Belleville.
Since then, the Belleville district has become home to many communities: Tunisian Jews in the 1950s, North Africans in the 1960s, Chinese and people from Sub-Saharan Africa in the 1980s.
This cultural mix has allowed the development of all forms of art.
It is also from this district that the famous singer Edith Piaf originated.
What is the history of the Belleville Park?
In 1988, the Belleville Park, designed by architect François Debulois, was opened to the public.
Vines were planted in this park in memory of the agricultural past of this district.
The park covers 45,000 m² of greenery.
At the top of the park is the Willy Ronis Belvedere, which offers a panoramic view of the city of Paris.
Why is the Belleville Belvedere named Willy Ronis?
Willy Ronis (1910 – 2009) was a humanist photographer, meaning a photographer interested in the everyday lives of human beings.
One of his most important works is “Belleville-Ménilmontant”.
In this work, we discover photos of the daily life of the working-class Belleville district.
These photos were taken in the streets, bars, gardens, workshops, and businesses.
These images give the impression that the inhabitants of this district were not rich, but they were happy.
The town hall of the 20th arrondissement gave his name to the Belleville Belvedere to pay him tribute.
The Belleville Belvedere is known today for hosting street art frescoes by the artist Seth.
Who is the artist Seth?
Julien Malland is known by his artist name “Seth”.
He was born in 1972 in Paris and became known in the world of street art by creating characters in the 20th arrondissement of the capital.
His works often depict very colorful children in difficult geographical, social, or political contexts.
He defines himself as an engaged artist who raises awareness of the state of the world with the aim of making it progress.
What do the street art frescoes of the Belleville Belvedere represent?
On the columns of the Belvedere are depicted characters of all colors: white, brown, black — a diversity comparable to that of the Belleville population.
These characters are mainly children with hidden faces.
The same character is painted several times on the same column.
When turning around, like an animated image, one sees the peaceful children gradually escaping into a luminous halo that seems to represent their dreams.
Why are there mosaics on the Belleville Belvedere?
This mosaic is a participatory creation.
The project was led by a local association “La maison de la Plage” and supported by the town hall of the 20th arrondissement of Paris.
This work was created by more than 250 residents of the district, mainly young people.
This creation is meant to be evolving, with the objective of being replaced every four years by another creation.
