Parisian Artist Rakajoo Pays Homage to Montmartre in New Exhibition

Perhaps more than any city in the world, Paris has repeatedly shown to be the epicenter for culture. Each neighborhood has its distinctive charm that goes back centuries — from Saint-Germain-des-Prés and Le Marais, to Pigalle and Montmartre. But past the many monuments, cafes and shops to see, lies a relatively intimate city to millions of people who call Paris home.

Rakajoo is a local Parisian artist who through painting documents the pulse of the city in a palette that feels in-between fantasy and reality. Later this week, he will be making his Chinese debut in a new solo exhibition at Danysz Gallery Shanghai titled City of Lights.

“This series is setting the scene in the historic district Montmartre, well known for being a very active artistic stage in the early 20th century in Paris. Although daily reality is changing there, this place remains a source of inspiration with a powerful legacy,” said the artist in a statement.

From crossing a street, taking the subway, or stopping at a café terrace — each painting serves as a story that guides viewers on a walkabout through the city’s 18th arrondissement. City of Lights will be on view in Shanghai from August 6 to September 18.

For more on art, Jammie Holmes reflects on the Deep South in What We Talking About.

Danysz Gallery
158 Shuanglian Road Building 2K
Qingpu District, Shanghai