Urban Score / Gentilly Conservatory Mural
Urban Score is a large-scale mural project created at the Conservatory of Gentilly, in France, transforming the building into a visual composition inspired by music, theatre, and dance. The work was commissioned by the City of Gentilly and developed in collaboration with Grand Orly Seine Bièvre and Osaro Street Art. This mural is designed as a visual score, where each part of the building corresponds to a different artistic discipline practiced inside the conservatory.
The concept of Urban Score is based on the idea that a building dedicated to the arts can itself become a form of artistic expression. The conservatory is not only a place where music, theatre, and dance are taught. It is also a space where creativity is constantly evolving. The mural translates this dynamic into a visual language, turning the architecture into a readable composition, almost like a musical score.
The Street Side / A Cyberpunk Female Figure
On the street-facing side of the building, I painted a female character inspired by my recurring visual universe. She embodies themes that are central to my work: fusion between human and machine, cyberpunk aesthetics, organic and mechanical contrasts, direct visual connection with the viewer. Her gaze engages with passersby, creating an immediate interaction between the artwork and the public space. This side acts as an entry point into the mural’s narrative.
The Garden Side / From Theatre to Music and Dance
As the visual narrative continues towards the garden side of the building, the mural transitions into the disciplines taught inside the conservatory. Theatre / Masks representing comedy and tragedy illustrate the theatrical art form. These symbols reflect emotional duality and performance. Music / A koto, traditional Japanese instrument, represents the music department of the conservatory. Its presence introduces a connection between tradition and contemporary visual language. Dance / A dancing silhouette expresses movement and physical interpretation, completing the transition from visual symbol to kinetic expression.
The mural also integrates typography as part of the composition. Words become structural elements that guide the viewer through the artwork and help identify the function of the building. Large-scale text such as: “CONSERVATORY” / “I dance” / “I sing” / “I play”. It creates a direct link between language and visual art. These elements reinforce the idea that the building itself is an open score, readable both visually and conceptually.
Unlike purely decorative street art, Urban Score was designed as a functional mural. Its role is not only aesthetic but also communicative: it identifies the purpose of the building, connects exterior and interior activities and translates artistic disciplines into visual form. The mural becomes part of the identity of the Conservatory of Gentilly, integrating into its daily life and public presence. This project was made possible thanks to: City of Gentilly, Grand Orly Seine Bièvre, and Osaro Street Art. Special thanks to Lisa, Delphine, Elise, Robin, Katell, Florent, René, and Antonin for their support during the project.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Urban Score mural located?
The mural is located at the Conservatory of Gentilly in France.
What does Urban Score represent?
It represents a visual interpretation of music, theatre, and dance, transforming the building into a conceptual artistic score.
Who created the mural?
The mural was created by French artist Alex Kanos.
What techniques are used in the mural?
The work combines large-scale mural painting, typography, and figurative street art elements.
Who commissioned the project?
The project was commissioned by the City of Gentilly in collaboration with Grand Orly Seine Bièvre and Osaro Street Art.