The art of “healing wounds” on the streets

Walking on the streets of Ankara, Turkey, passersby sometimes encounter vibrant patches of color on the sidewalks, where French artist Ememem painstakingly fills potholes and cracks with vibrant ceramic mosaics.

Ememem calls it “flacking” – the art of turning ugly cracks and holes into unique, colorful ceramic pieces. These sidewalk patches are made from recycled materials, broken glass, or discarded ceramics. Ememem is inspired by the spirit of the city. To many, Ankara may appear drab, but to him it is full of color, light, and traditional motifs. Sometimes, the works are accompanied by text, reflecting his own impressions or everyday phrases he hears on the street.

Starting from Lyon (France) - the hometown of the artist who keeps his identity and face hidden, Ememem's works gradually appeared in the capital Paris (France), Milan (Italy), Barcelona (Spain), Leipzig (Germany) and then to Chicago, New York (USA) and even the 2024 Paris Olympic Village. What Ememem likes most is the quiet creations at night, based on the belief that the streets belong to everyone, including himself. "We don't ask for permission. We do it because the streets belong to everyone," Ememem said.

A street art piece by Ememem. Photo: AA

The image of his grandfather sweeping the yard and then sweeping the street in front of his house, considering it a part of himself, planted the seed of street art in him. Ememem shares a profound philosophy that when something belongs to everyone, we easily think it does not belong to us. Through the art of decorating cracks, he wants to remind the message that the street, the city, the society belong to us and we are all the creators.

For Ememem, his work is art, poetry and also carries subtle messages. In Mostar (Bosnia), he once filled bomb craters with ceramic mosaics with barbed wire motifs, reminding people of the traces of history. Many people who love Ememem's work believe that these bright colors, in addition to the purpose of repair, also beautify and remind people of the shortcomings of the city.

Ememem's ceramic mosaics have attracted the attention of both local and international politicians and officials. Speaking to the press, French Ambassador to Turkey Isabelle Dumont said the artworks, which were made near the embassy, ​​have brought beauty to the area.

The recycled materials used by Ememem, according to Ms. Dumont, are not only beautiful but also have symbolic meaning. Some Ankara government officials believe that with art that transcends physical and cultural boundaries, Ememem's works will not be limited by any borders and will appear in many other locations in the future.

According to Ememem, the streets have always been a space for art. He shared: “When used properly, art can connect people very quickly, whether they are artists or anyone else.”

PEARL

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/nghe-thuat-chua-lanh-cac-vet-thuong-tren-duong-pho-post802641.html