We’re back in Bayonne today to look at more images from the Points de Vue festival hosted last month in the south of France. More varied disciplines are on display here than you may typically see at a street art festival, perhaps because much autonomy is given to the artists. It may also be a result of carefully curating artists for site-specific works, and their close interaction with the community, as well as arts institutions. While many of the artists may have direct experience with illegal graffiti and street art in their evolutionary story, you see a more collaborative spirit here, one that is responsive to the needs of the community rather than works that are made as an act of provocation.

Dubbing their partnership “Nexmural,” Aitor and Nextor, who happen to be father and son, embarked on a unique artistic journey that one does not hear about often in this scene. Despite Aitor’s hiatus from painting for over a decade, he stumbled upon the revelation that his son was the mastermind behind the graffiti that graced their town’s walls. In an inspiring twist of fate, the duo have decided to combine their creative talents to embellish the urban canvas with vibrant imagery that not only reflects the contemporary world but also instills a sense of optimism.

Maya, a versatile artist, practices her craft outdoors on the streets and within the confines of her studio. She engages in various artistic disciplines, including sculpting, photography, filmmaking, and literary pursuits.

Drawing inspiration from the rebellious energy of punk rock and the rich aesthetics of Eastern European folk traditions, the results are an immersive artistic experience that propels viewers into a vibrant and psychedelic world filled with intricate geometric motifs and bold; vivid, smashing hues that are nothing short of electric.

JC Coudèrc’s artistic philosophy is deeply intertwined with his connection to his Occitan heritage. Employing his native language and its symbolic elements, the artist evokes the legacy of an age-old culture that has been rendered mute with time, prompting reflections on our modern society. Within his artistic endeavors, Codèrc looks for ways to forge connections among individuals, their historical narratives, and the lands they inhabit.

Beginning in 2021, Points de Vue ventured beyond the confines of Bayonne, extending its reach to encompass the expansive domain of the Communauté d’Agglomération Pays Basque. Within this broader canvas, the festival extends a welcoming hand to featured artists, granting them the privilege of embarking on creative residencies within local communities.

Spanning several weeks, these artists embark on a transformative journey, drawing inspiration from their hosts, and the locales and engaging in lively exchanges with community members. Organizers home that interactions foster authentic dialogues, injecting urban art with newfound vitality and into novel landscapes.

For the 2023 edition, the village of Bergouey-Viellenave welcomes Occitan
artist JC Couderc.

LX One’s fascination with geometric patterning
can be seen on metal, concrete, and canvas.
Working in ink, acrylic, or aerosol, each new
medium is a source of inspiration for him. By
integrating digital tools into his work, he brings
out a 3rd dimension in a flat surface by creating a
bas-relief or optical illusion.

Points de Vue 2023 / Bayonne, France / Part I

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