Saype unveils his work at the foot of Broken Chair
“All of us!” Art against weapons.
Now in his mid-thirties and painting large skill land art for over a decade, it is still a pleasant surprise to see renowned street artist Saype unveiling a new masterpiece. His recent project in Place des Nations, Geneva, was commissioned by Handicap International. With it, he hopes to present an eco-responsible image that depicts a hand emblematic of humanity, offering a new leg to the iconic “Broken Chair” – a symbol for the numerous innocent victims of war bombings.
Saype, whose real name is Guillaume Legros, hails from Belfort, France, and has long been recognized for his commitment to eco-friendly and humanitarian art. His unique concoction of biodegradable paints made chiefly from chalk and charcoal ensures that his massive artworks naturally fade over time, minimizing ecological impact. And yet, the transient nature of his art somehow makes his messages even more profound, drawing attention to the fragility of our societies.
Across the vast expanses of grass, sand, snow, and earth in global cities like New York, Paris, Istanbul, and Cape Town, Saype consistently crafts monumental frescoes that resonate with geopolitical causes. Whether it’s unity, peace, or the shared human experience, his art often touches upon pressing global issues and calls upon humanity to rise and address them. Though transient, his frescoes aim to create lasting impressions on the psyche, urging a shift in societal mentalities while respecting nature.
This “ALL OF US!” fresco in Geneva is particularly poignant. In dialogue with the Broken Chair’s advocacy against the horrors of explosive weaponry, Saype underscores the universal call for peace, unity, and understanding.