In Rennes, discover the history of graffiti from the 1960s to the present at the Museum of Fine Arts

The exhibition “Aerosol, the history of graffiti” brings together rare and unpublished works, as well as numerous documents, photographs and testimonies.

A museum that opens its doors to graffiti is still rare. Until September 22, 2024, Rennes Museum of Fine Arts giving visitors the opportunity to dive into the world of graffiti which, over the decades, has established itself as an art in its own right. Aerosol, a story about graffiti follows 60 years of street art, whose creations veer between illegality and suffering.

The first part of the exhibition looks back at the beginning of graffiti in France from 1960 to 1986 with works by pioneers (Blek le rat, Jef Aérosol, Miss.Tic, Bando, Futura2000, Blitz, Dee Nasty, etc. ). The Art Museum is especially home to the real canvas of the American graffiti artist Futura2000 which was created on the stage of the Bataclan in 1982. Pictures also allow you to find graffiti from this period. Especially this photo of Claude Abron with Doc and Bando in front of the work Criminal art built in 1985.

The museum’s patio hosts the second part of the exhibition where a number of key themes are on display, including graffiti artists’ interest in railways. The Marseille museum, which specializes in European and Mediterranean civilizations, has one of the most important European collections on the subjects of graffiti and hip-hop, has lent some key pieces to ‘ include this model of vehicle.

“We have a metro train from line 13 painted by Sidney who played an integral part in the history of graffiti through the animation of his show HIPHOP It gives a little nod to popular culture with the character of Darth Vader who drives this subway train” reports Jean-Roch Bouiller, director of the Rennes Museum of Fine Arts.

In this exhibition, the Rennes Museum of Fine Arts has also chosen to emphasize other cultures that come from the street, such as hip-hop or rap. “There are many types of artistic expression that are present in the exhibition and they allow us to understand that it is a real art movement in terms of diversity and historical depth.” explains Jean-Roch Bouille. Some works in the exhibition also show the interest shown by some rock groups, such as the British The Clash, in street art.

Aerosol, a story about graffiti also highlighting the role of street art on the streets of Britain’s cities. In a local part of the exhibition there are stencils or even frescoes that covered the walls of Brest, Quimper and even Rennes.

Presentation Aerosol, history of graffiti – Museum of Fine Arts, 20 quai Emile Zola in Rennes – Until September 22, Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 6pm