OK, we have the world’s biggest and greatest museum and some of the most fantastic exhibition spaces anywhere, but Paris also has humbler treats for the art lover on foot, down a backstreet, up on a wall…

photos : jasonw

We already know that Paris is beautiful to look at architecturally, but some artists can’t resist trying to add their own little touch. In the street – and despite the city’s reputation of something of a bourgeois dormitory – those seeking art can find burgeoning talent. I was surprised to come across these two examples in the last couple of days. Firstly (as seen above), a ceramic mosaic harking back to the age of 80s video games, most famously propagated around the world by (ahem, French) artist Space Invader. This piece is perched up on a wall at the corner of rue Rambuteau and rue du temple just nearby the Pompidou Centre.

Another piece is on rue de la Forge Royal, on the bars of a (rather lush but small) public garden. Looking straight at them doesn’t really give much of an effect…

But a side view gives it all away…

Well, almost all. Still not quite sure what the picture is of. Urban high-rises? Egypt? Can’t quite make it out. But I suppose that goes with the territory… In any case, urban art is still a vigorous art form in Paris. Whilst walking round the city, admire the architecture but don’t miss the exhibition!

Here’s the map if you want to search out these two pieces. Don’t forget that much street art is ephemeral, so don’t wait too long…

Bigger map here