Forget the stereotypical notion of what constitutes the urban underground -- those dingy, dirty, dank tunnels that smell pungently of urine and have the odd drunk or destitute camping out at the entrance, asking for your loose change or dead tube ticket.
A Whole New World Awaits
Instead, imagine that beneath noisy, bustling streets, there is an awesome wonder underworld, a place where art is created in its purest form and exists only for art's sake, far away from the long-reaching arms of capitalism.
In the almost 200 miles of Parisian tunnels that weave silently beneath the streets is a cornucopia of art. Work produced is often known as Kata Art, simply art created by Cataphiles (Cataphiles being those who explore the underground catacombs of Paris).
These expressive labyrinths are crammed with work ranging from impressive sculptures to an array of diverse paintings and murals. Each piece of art is fabulously different from the next, with modern, contemporary, colour-filled pieces painted aside the muted-down hues of classic-style paintings that would not look out of place in one of the many city-level galleries that Paris is renowned for.
If you have ever wondered how Alice felt falling down that rabbit hole, maybe a trip down and into subterranean Paris could give you a little taste of the colour, magic and variety of the unknown.
Underground Artists
Almost every artist who creates these works remains both faceless and nameless, operating like ghostly creatures of the night, leaving behind no trace of their existence but their work. These often complex pieces of art can take days to create, and often the artists venture deep into the dark silence of the tunnels armed with lamps, food and the tools needed to produce their pieces.
Some underground contributors are recognized, like international urban artist Jérôme Mesnager. His painted figure “Corpse Blanc” (White Corpse) appears often, adding a touch of humour by directing, and often misdirecting, visitors through the underground maze of tunnels.
Mesnager describes his "Corpse Blanc" in a 1989 poem: "The little white man wanders / He is a luminous ghost / He haunts deserted places.”
Tributes are paid to famed artists, such as Austrian-born Gustav Klimt. A nameless artist recreated a painting Klimt’s famous “Fish Blood” almost 100 years after the original was created in 1898. It would appear that even life after death is possible in the Parisian catacombs, with these vast pieces of art paying not only tribute to great artists of the past but also perhaps to some of the great artists of our future.
An unknown Cataphile created “The String of Arianne.” Adding a quirky touch to the tunnels, it is found on the ceiling of a section of the tunnels and was created using candle smoke. If you follow the string, you are to receive a fascinating tour of the underground labyrinth, supposedly without the risk of getting lost, which is easily done when venturing through the giant, unmarked underground system.
History, Colour and Evolution
Historically, these tunnels are packed with culture and references to the past, ranging from sketches, sculptures, directional signs and, of course, artwork, with each piece zipping you back and fourth -- reminiscent of a time machine, landing the viewer in a certain point in history, whether that be 200 years ago or yesterday. The subject matter of work varies vastly, and whether it’s politics, current events or pleasure, the message is delivered with vibrant style and originality.
Bright, effervescent pieces really pop in the dark tunnels with colourful murals adorning the walls aside comic sketches and trippy-looking graffiti. In contrast, another wall may be a beautiful landscape looking out over the ocean.
New material is added constantly, and it is extremely rare for anything to be removed. This has resulted in there being a vast and exciting array of work that has culminated over the years. Subterranean Paris is truly a unique and extraordinary environment that really highlights the changes in urban culture over the years in a vibrant, fun and diverse way. These tunnels are a true visual feast and sure winner for anyone with an interest in design, art or urban culture.
The majority of the catacombs are closed off to the public and are only accessible from secret entrances through manholes, sewers or metro tunnels. Parts of the tunnels are open for exploring with the entrance for tours opposite the Denfert-Rochereau Métro station so ... delve deep and open your eyes, for Paris has a world like no other thriving in its underbelly.
Sources
- 'Paris Underground', gonomad.com (accessed April 13, 2011)
- 'Paris's Urban Underground', nationalgeographic.com (accessed April 13, 2011)
- Paris Underground, Caroline Archer and Alexandre Parré, Mark Batty Publisher (2007)
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