SEEN on the walls of Louis Vuitton
Friday, May 01, 2009 Posted by Nirit Sumeruk
Just when I think I’ve seen it all – I realize I have seen nothing yet! At another delicious lunch over at Louis Vuitton’s Espace Culturel and sticking to the theme of its current exhibition 'Silent Writings' I witnessed a first of its kind: luxury vs graffiti. Yes my darlings, you’ve guessed it – Louis Vuitton rolled up its sleeves and invited not just any – but the godfather of graffiti SEEN to press the nozzle of his many spray-cans onto their posh smooth walls. If this is not the pinnacle of a graffiti artist, then I don’t know what is! 
SEEN who is originally from the Bronx was one of the trailblazers of the New York graffiti movement that emerged in the 70’s. Today he is an icon who paved the way and inspired many throughout the world with his talents and bold choice of canvases - two such examples are the New York's subway in 1973 and the idolized emblem of Hollywood none other than the crispy clean "HOLLYWOOD" sign in 1984 (on the two LL’s to be precise). So it makes perfect sense to me that he should be the one making his mark on the walls of Louis Vuitton… 
An eager crowd of fans, art lovers and curious minds huddled in silence in the room watching the legend unzip his tog bag to reveal an army of spray-cans ready to shower the room…. SEEN chose to cover 3 of the 4 walls with his work and signature tag “SEEN”. 
There was something quite surreal about the whole experience – normally graffiti artists work at night or a little in hiding – yet here, one of the wildest forms of art was coming to life in front of our eyes and very much welcomed in the home of one of the world’s most luxurious and refined brands – this definitely says something about the concept of art and its evolution, so when art becomes Louise Vuitton vs Graffiti, in my opinion a new form of art is born... 
After the ‘show’ I chatted with SEEN on the top floor terrace of the Espace Culturel overlooking the Champs Elysees and I asked him why he chose to make Paris his home (sounds like a silly question when you have this magnificent view staring back at you, non?) He explains to me with a bit of humor in his voice “I always knew I wanted to move to Europe to get away from the fast-paced living of NY. I was in Paris for a show in 2007 and I just looked up at the sky and said you know what there is nothing tying me down now and I am in Paris so I guess I will just stay”. I like his free spirit, very befitting!
He then continues “I came for some quite time to myself to paint what I want to paint but instead I land in the middle of the city where graffiti is ready to boom and I got roped right back in – but at least it’s laid back and relaxed here and the French do everything on a slower place which I really like!” 
The lunch was hosted by Emmanuel and Domoina De Brantes owners of the funky urban arts gallery “Studio 55” and some of the guests that were invited to view this phenomenon included: editor of Technikart magazine Fabrice de Rohan Chabot, Alain Dominique Gallizia curator of the graffiti expo at the Grand Palais, Jean Faucheur co-founder the artistic group "Les Frères Ripoulin", French experimental popart singer Camille, Nathalie Pasqua former principal ballerina at Paris’s Opera and co-owner of Arums Gallery, respected arts and culture journalists Anaid Demair, Anne-Sophie von Claer and Sibylle Grandchamp, as well as renowned graffiti artists Sun7 and Jaya… The show is running until august, 29th. LOUIS VUITTON Champs Elysées, 60 rue Bassano 75008 Paris.
Darlings, it's totally worth the visit, especially to witness the merge of luxury meeting graffiti - you never know, right now it's on the walls, next thing it may even be on very expensive handbags and shoes (I want I want!!)
Fresh spray paint even landed on my camera lense
SEEN, Emmanuel De Brantes and Eker
SEEN and me
Fabrice de Rohan Chabot
Nathalie Pasqua, Alain Dominique Gallizia and Domoina De Brantes
Camille, Paul Coulon, Domoina De Brantes and Jaya
Darlings, it's totally worth the visit, especially to witness the merge of luxury meeting graffiti - you never know, right now it's on the walls, next thing it may even be on very expensive handbags and shoes (I want I want!!)
Fresh spray paint even landed on my camera lense
SEEN, Emmanuel De Brantes and Eker
SEEN and me
Fabrice de Rohan Chabot
Nathalie Pasqua, Alain Dominique Gallizia and Domoina De Brantes
Camille, Paul Coulon, Domoina De Brantes and Jaya
Sunday, May 03, 2009 4:03:00 PM
Hey ! I was there too. I write a review in French on my blog.
Glad you enjoyed it as much as I did.
Check this out, and use any of my pictures if you want : http://blog.brigadeneurale.org/2009/05/01/seen-repeint-lespace-culturel-louis-vuitton/
Tuesday, May 05, 2009 9:19:00 PM
Sun7? Seriously?
Wednesday, September 09, 2009 11:36:00 PM
Oh boy, having come back to Ireland from Paris, I'm presently living vicariously through your blog till I return... but your Paris is a tad cooler then mine was!
http://www.comingtomyseineses.wordpres.com
Thursday, October 08, 2009 12:35:00 PM
you are SO amazing
Tuesday, November 02, 2010 11:08:00 PM
seen the godfather of graff. fuck paris and the french. come back to the states man.
Wednesday, November 03, 2010 3:37:00 PM
Seen, just keep spreading our art until its accepted by the masses and considered "pure art form to it fullest".
From "The Bench" 149th St and Grand Concourse
Tuesday, December 07, 2010 2:42:00 AM
sorry but nope being in the middle of a fauna of fashion wannabees, so called posh douchebags is not a pinnacle for a graffiti artist. just try to understand that this is exactly what they do reject and spit on... society bullshit.
omg this event much have sucked so bad for him...
Tuesday, December 07, 2010 2:45:00 AM
plus louis vuitton really is over-rated you can find the same items in china for at least one tenth of the price.
Sunday, January 09, 2011 11:06:00 AM
this is making me sad , it seems seen has sold his soul to the art gallery, do you really think big suits and champaign has something to do with graffiti?