Street Art Argenteuil Lumières / a Cyberpunk Public Mural

Public art has the power to transform everyday spaces into places of reflection, dialogue and discovery. Created for the City of Argenteuil, Lumières is a large-scale mural exploring the relationship between humanity and technology through the visual language of cyberpunk. The artwork depicts a man and a woman whose faces merge with mechanical elements, creating a hybrid vision that reflects our increasingly close relationship with digital technologies while affirming a central idea: technological progress should always remain at the service of humanity.

Commissioned as part of the participatory budget of the Val-d’Argent Sud neighbourhood committee, the mural was designed to become a visual landmark for residents while celebrating the diversity and openness of Argenteuil.

The central figures look towards the future with calm and determination. Rather than presenting technology as a threat, the mural proposes a more balanced perspective. Mechanical elements become extensions of the human body rather than replacements for it, suggesting that innovation and humanity can evolve together. Their expressions carry a message of hope for future generations: progress should remain under human control, preserving empathy, creativity and human values. This reflection has become one of the recurring themes throughout my artistic practice, where cyberpunk aesthetics serve as a visual language for questioning the future rather than predicting it.

Although the mural embraces a futuristic visual identity, it also establishes a dialogue with cultural heritage. The architecture of the building naturally suggested references to Japan, which became an important source of inspiration for the composition. In the background, a stylised skyline of Tokyo reinforces the connection between tradition and innovation. Tokyo represents one of the world’s most emblematic cities where advanced technology coexists with centuries-old cultural heritage, making it a fitting symbol for the themes explored by the mural. This contrast between past and future echoes the broader dialogue between contemporary public art and the historical identity of the city.

Hidden within the composition is the kanji 嘉納 (Kanō). The character carries a dual meaning. It refers first to my artist name, Kanos, while also referencing Jigoro Kano, the founder of judo. Beyond this historical connection, the reference evokes values such as discipline, balance, knowledge and transmission between generations. These ideas resonate with the overall message of the mural, where technological innovation should never come at the expense of human wisdom. Rather than functioning as a decorative detail, the kanji becomes another layer of interpretation for viewers willing to look more closely at the artwork.

One of the objectives of Lumières was to establish a strong visual identity within the urban landscape of Argenteuil. Bold colours, dynamic compositions and high-contrast graphic elements were carefully designed to interact with the existing architecture instead of overwhelming it. Public murals inevitably become part of the daily lives of local residents. They are encountered during commutes, walks or neighbourhood events, gradually becoming familiar reference points within the city. For this reason, the mural was conceived not simply as an image but as a lasting component of the local environment.

Like many of my public artworks, Lumières is intended to reward curiosity. From a distance, viewers first encounter two monumental portraits. As they move closer, additional details begin to emerge: mechanical structures, graphic elements, Japanese references, architectural dialogue and symbolic layers gradually reveal themselves. This progressive reading encourages passersby to slow down, observe and build their own interpretation of the mural. Rather than imposing a single meaning, the artwork remains open to multiple readings depending on each viewer’s experience.

This mural was made possible thanks to the trust of the City of Argenteuil and the many people involved throughout the project. Special thanks to Mayor Georges Mothron, Chantal Juglard, Martine Rousseau, the neighbourhood committee, the Department of Community Engagement and Territorial Development, the Department of Culture and Tourism, and Lucie Buathier for their support. I would also like to thank René Marc for sharing the project on site despite the winter weather, JeaBodv for serving as the model for one of the portraits, photographer Michaël Tixador and Nicolas Laverroux for documenting the mural.