Located in the heart of Paris-13, where large-scale murals are not an uncommon sight, you’ll find Galerie Mathgoth. Founded by Mathilde and Gautier Jourdain, two passionate art collectors with a particular fondness for urban art, Mathgoth is dedicated to supporting global artists via shows and print releases. They are also well-known for their involvement in curating massive walls across France.
Mathgoth’s latest endeavor took place in Épinal, a town in Eastern France that’s known for being the first to produce images in series – Épinal became famous in the 18th and 19th centuries for its production of colored picture prints (woodcuts, lithographs). Thus, art plays an important role in this small town, particularly in public spaces, where urban art frescoes by local artists, already exist. To further enhance their ‘cityscape’, the town authorities decided a new mural was in order – they wanted an artist of international repute so they reached out to the Jourdains. They suggested the master of optical illusion, Astro.
Astro, a French artist originating from Paris, is self-taught. Over the years, he’s developed a technique that combines calligraphy, curves and dynamic forms, creating a rich universe where light and shadow mesh together seamlessly. His work offers an intrinsically unique perspective by creating optical illusions that trick the viewer’s eye. For this project entitled Perpetual Illusion, Astro was asked to make over the facade of car park that’s located in the heart of Épinal. He completed his mural in one week and the outcome is spectacular.
Astro: website | facebook | instagram
Galerie Mathgoth: website | facebook | instagram
