Zippo, 2024

C215   Best sellers Emerging artists

C215 is a mysterious title which may refer to a Pantone color or a chemical formula. But behind this coded name is an influential street artist Christian Guémy, aka C215, who was born in France in 1973.

In 2006, C215 began stencil work and he hasn't stopped using the medium since. He studied history and economics, as he wanted a humanist profile of modern times, and gradually leaned towards history of art. It was through this coursework that C215's passion for Caravaggio's work began. C215 yearns to transpose splendor and beauty of classic art in our cities. In order to do this, he has taken over the walls of our cities such as Ivry-sur-Seine, and paints dreamlike and colorful works.

The event which triggered C215's career takeoff was heartache. He separated from his wife and couldn't see his 4 year old daughter grow up every day. He was adamant to show that he thought about his daughter everyday, so he made a stencil drawing of his ex-wife and his daughter Nina. This creation was key for his career as an urban artist.

C215's daughter and childhood in general are among his favorite themes, and always present in his work, but he also tackles other universal themes. C215 always has a humanist perspective, he highlights those people who are left out by the society and showcases them. Unknown people turn into stencil stars. He also does light work and draws romantic couples and animals, particularly cats.

C215's iconic works are almost the size of humans, in order to be close to reality, except for certain imposing mural creations. He precisely highlights sparkling colors and lighting. One can perceive the character of his models through features and expressions which are depicted. Faces come alive and inspire poetry all over the city.

According to the artist, street art needs to be one with the environment, interact with its elements and portray true aesthetics. His first reference is Ernest Pignon, a guardian figure of urban art in France.

C215's work goes beyond Paris and travels throughout the world, both on walls and museums. He stands out through his graphic signature, symbolizing a cube with a blaze (name or signature for a street artist) C215. More recently, the works of the exhibition "SLAVA UKRAINI" of the street artist were exposed at the National Assembly, the City Hall of the 13th district and the City Hall of Paris Centre in March 2023. Committed artist, C215 presented his work done in Ukraine in 2022 to denounce the Russian invasion.