#1128. Street Art in Parisian Streets

By Dallas Thomas | Travel Photography

Jul 30
Zeiss 135/2 @f2

This is the 4th and last post in series of images of Paris taken in 2021 during limited lockdown. The first was #1103 Scenes of Seine followed by #1107. Churches, Cathedrals and Chapels of the Capital, #1120 Poignant and Particular Paris

Voigtlander 40/1.2 Nokton


Every city and town I’ve visited has some form of Street Art. The problem or delight with Paris is the amazing images and clever artistic expression that greets you in the obvious and the beautiful hidden spaces that are to be discovered. You just need to keep your eyes open. I think we all agree many are created by artists whether or not we like the results. But isn’t that also the case with some art in galleries? The below adaptation is a classic case.

Zeiss Milvus 50/1.4 @f5.6

Zeiss Milvus 25/1.4 @f4.5
Zeiss Milvus 25/1.4 @ f5
Zeiss Milvus 501/4 @ 5.6
Loawa 12/28
Voigtlander 75/1.5 Nokton
Voigtlander 75/1.5 Nokton
Zeiss Milvus 25/1.4 @f5.6
Voigtlander 40/1.2 Norton
Voigtlander 75/1.5 Nokton

Voigtlander 75/1.5 Nokton
Zeiss Milvus 25/1.4 @f4
Zeiss Milvus 25/1.4 @f5.6
Zeiss Milvus 25/1.4 @f5.6

I do hope you’ve enjoyed this exposé.

 

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  • Lad Sessions says:

    Dallas, I love these! As works of art, maybe, but surely very interesting–clever and arresting. I also love your images, all beautifully rendered. Just me, but I think I prefer the views through the longer lenses, and wonder what something even longer than 135 would do? They flatten the artworks more.

    PS: I always wondered what the Mona Lisa did while not posing!

    • Thanks Lad. Very interesting question given she was in the Marais, I will leave it to your imagination. My only lens longer than 135 with me is a 80 – 400 which I use for wildlife it may be worth exploring. Dallas

  • Pascal O. says:

    Dear Dallas, as always with your sets, impeccable photography, and immaculate post.
    3D aspect of your pictures deserves special praise in my humble opinion.
    Sets the standard for me.
    And this time, your shots of such peculiar art is genuinely interesting.
    Never saw that during my Paris life. Thanks!
    Take care.

  • jean pierre (pete) guaron says:

    Thanks Dallas – I love the street art of Paris – I try to capture photos of it, whenever I can.

    Things have gradually improved in Australia, as you no doubt know already, but in the past the notion of “graffiti” here was mostly just destructive and puerile. A far cry from the 6-storey high mural I saw on one wall in Paris. And very little of it anywhere near as creative or imaginate as Parisian “graffiti”

    • Thanks Pete. It can vary from total rubbish to masterpiece again it can all come down to personal taste. Take care Dallas

      • jean pierre (pete) guaron says:

        We do have one masterpiece here in Western Australia, Dallas – the mural on the Wellington Dam. 8,000 square metres of “street art”, in a rather unexpected location! The local tourist industry claims it’s the biggest one in the world – and it very well might be! The man who did it is clearly EXTREMELY talented/gifted, and very sensitive to local considerations. When the idea was thrown open to the public, there were roughly 48 applications – his was the only one that DIDN’T specify what he intended to paint on the dam wall – and he was given the green light. He came here and went all around the local area, garnering information and ideas, obtaining historic images, and so on. Then started. The result is quite amazing.

        Here’s the story of it –
        https://rac.com.au/travel-touring/info/wellington-dam-mural

        • Now “thats a canvas for street art” It would be spectacular to see from the air Im guessing. Also in NSW wheat silos out west are being used for murals as well and are becoming a tourist attraction for us togs.

    • Jan says:

      Big difference between street art, graffiti and tagging. Here in Sydney I do not see much street art, Melbourne is different much better, more creative.

  • Nancee Rostad says:

    Your wonderful images make me long to explore the streets of Paris once again – it’s been way too long. As Lad mentioned, they are beautifully rendered and seem to come alive before the viewer’s eyes. Mona Lisa appearing in modern garb and pose is a delight! Thanks for sharing.

  • Leonard Norwitz says:

    Hello all,

    Love these street art photos. At the risk of exposing my utter ignorance, what difference does focal length make? With the exception of only a couple shots here, these are all flat renderings are they not, so that choice of focal length need only apply to a distance from camera to art sufficient to acquire said art without geometric distortion. Choice of lens, aperture and sensor, together with the direction of available light should be the working criteria. No? If not, I am about to learn something as I wipe undercooked quiche from my face.

    • Hi Leonard, you’ve right re focal distance. I usually only walk around with one lens so its what I have in my hand at the time. Base metadata is provided as several readers have asked in the past for me to do this. Many thanks for your kind comments. Dallas

      • Leonard Norwitz says:

        The loss of a learning opportunity outweighed by relief!
        Just want to repeat my earlier declaration of how fascinating your photos are. My area, which includes Oakland and San Jose California, presents some pretty snappy examples of streetwall art, and I thoroughly enjoy preserving them in photos.

    • pascaljappy says:

      Leonard, you cannot write about quiche without drawing my attention!! 😉 My guess is that with some street art, it’s difficult to be face on. Longer lenses will tend to keep you further away and minimise distortion. While shorter lenses will increase parallax and create intimacy? Just a guess 😉 Cheers

      • Leonard says:

        Pascal, Whenever I am shooting street art I am constantly looking over my shoulder for some random person about the toss quiche in my face, as if I am violating some rule or other. I fear my choice of focal length often comes down to how best to keep my distance from such potential mayhem.

  • Ian Varkevisser says:

    thoroughly enjoyed your compilation

  • Pascal Ravach says:

    Spectacular colleciton, and as usual spotless capture, Dallas!
    I never imagined Paris would hide such gems, thanks 🙂

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