MonkeyBird, a collaboration between French artists Louis Boidron and Édouard Egea, has been creating stunning large-scale stenciled murals for over a decade. Their work is known for its rich symbolism, architectural elements, and intricate motifs that explore timeless themes of human emotion, experience, and the inevitability of change.
One of their recent pieces, “The Arch of Peace,” adorns the facade of a building in Aarhus, Denmark, as part of the 17 Walls Project. This mural pays homage to peace and justice, drawing on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals to envision a more inclusive and resilient future.
Inspired by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, MonkeyBird reinterprets ornamental engravings with angels, arches, and colonnades symbolizing the moral pillars essential for stability in a changing world. Central to the composition are two anthropomorphized creatures in robes, guarding a library reminiscent of Trinity College Dublin, emphasizing the importance of reason and ethics in power and intellect.
In other works like “Le Présage” in Metz, France, MonkeyBird explores the passage of time and the interconnectedness of past, present, and future through mythic figures and majestic creatures. Their artistry extends to Fontainebleau, France, where they feature animals, trees, ponds, and classical architecture in a mesmerizing mural.
Next, MonkeyBird will join the Montgomery Art Project in Alabama to create a mural and immersive installation of their papercuts. The community will have the opportunity to participate in workshops, cutting stencils and creating public paste-ups. Meanwhile, you can support MonkeyBird by purchasing prints from their shop and following their latest projects on Instagram.
The intricate details and thought-provoking themes in MonkeyBird’s murals, such as the ones in Aarhus, Metz, and Fontainebleau, showcase their talent for blending artistry with meaningful storytelling. Their upcoming collaboration in Alabama promises to engage the community and continue their legacy of creating visually stunning and thought-provoking street art.
