As part of the 2024 European Heritage Days, the Institut français Ankara welcomes renowned French visual artist Julien de Casabianca to the Turkish capital for an innovative street art project that merges museum collections with public spaces. Known for his Outings Project, which brings characters from classic paintings out of museums and onto city streets, Casabianca’s latest installation draws inspiration from Ankara’s Resim ve Heykel Müzesi, turning its artwork into vibrant public displays.
Ankara’s Streets Become Canvases
On September 22, Casabianca will begin transforming two walls in Ankara’s bustling Çankaya district, offering a performance that invites residents and visitors alike to witness the live creation of his large-scale installation. Set along J.F. Kennedy Street, the artwork will be part of a series of events celebrating cultural heritage across Europe. The artist will continue his work in October with performances at the Doğan Taşdelen Contemporary Arts Center, followed by an open talk, where he’ll discuss his artistic journey and unique approach to bringing museum art to the streets. These events, held in collaboration with Çankaya Municipality, are free and open to the public.
A Fusion of Art and Cinema
In addition to his visual art, Casabianca has made a name for himself in the world of film. His first short film, A Night After the Rain, scripted by Nobel Prize-winning author Gao Xingjian, was shot entirely in an imaginary city. His full-length film, Passing By, was a three-year project that captured everyday moments from 44 cities across 22 countries. The film, praised by legendary director Costa-Gavras for its emotional depth, has been featured at prestigious venues, including Tokyo University of the Arts and Kyoto’s Sandwich art residencies.
The Passing By project gained further acclaim in Paris, where Casabianca’s video installation was projected on 40 screens across the façade of the 4th arrondissement’s town hall, with the opening night hosted by actress Charlotte Rampling.
A Global Artistic Vision
Julien de Casabianca’s Outings Project has been showcased worldwide, from Le Louvre in Paris to the Brooks Museum in Memphis, and his works have been featured at leading art festivals like Nuart. He was inducted into ARP, a legendary French association that includes cinematic greats such as Jean-Luc Godard and Roman Polanski, further solidifying his reputation as a leading figure in contemporary art and cinema.
Now, Ankara becomes the latest city to experience his unique blend of classical art and modern street culture, offering a fresh perspective on how we engage with cultural heritage in our everyday lives.
