Franco-Algerian artist Bilal Hamdad is showcasing his remarkable hyperrealistic paintings at the Petit Palais in an exhibition titled 'Paname,' a nostalgic term for Paris that evokes the era of Serge Gainsbourg and Léo Ferré. The 38-year-old artist presents a vision of Paris rarely seen in museums today, featuring both intimate portraits and XXL canvases that capture modern life with stunning realism.
Using photographs as his foundation, Hamdad creates hyperrealistic works that depict the vibrant, diverse working-class neighborhoods of the French capital. His paintings showcase animated, multicultural communities in a style so precise it appears more real than nature itself. The exhibition features his striking piece 'Rive droite' (Right Bank), a large oil on canvas measuring 200 x 240 cm from 2021, which exemplifies his meticulous attention to detail.
Hamdad's artistic journey took an unexpected turn, much like that of Albert Camus, who once dreamed of being a footballer in Algiers before becoming a writer in Paris. 'My dream was to play as a libero, just in front of the goalkeeper. But ultimately, it was painting,' confesses the artist, reflecting on his shift from sports aspirations to artistic pursuits. This parallel with Camus adds a literary dimension to his visual storytelling.
The exhibition presents a Paris melting pot that brings together native Parisians and immigrants in scenes of everyday life. Hamdad's work is particularly noteworthy for its rich references to painters from past centuries, creating a dialogue between classical artistic traditions and contemporary urban reality. His hyperrealistic technique transforms ordinary street scenes into extraordinary artistic statements that capture the essence of modern multicultural Paris.
The 'Paname' exhibition offers visitors a unique perspective on the French capital, presenting communities and neighborhoods that are often overlooked in traditional museum settings. Through his masterful oil paintings, Hamdad documents the authentic spirit of contemporary Paris, celebrating its diversity and vitality in a way that makes his subjects appear almost tangible to viewers.
