Shandoul: the artistic odyssey of a Libyan muralist in France
Few artists dare to defy the ban in Libya, where street art remains a marginal, even illegal practice. Among them, Shandoul stands out as one of the few muralists to express his creativity on three walls in Tripoli. It all began with a program run by the NGO Super Novae, whose goal is to support former combatants in their reintegration into civilian and professional life. It was in this context that an unexpected encounter changed everything. The Artivista association, a partner in the initiative, discovered Shandoul’s undeniable talent.
An unexpected invitation At the inauguration of the mural in downtown Tripoli, Artivista offered Shandoul a unique opportunity: to come to France for an artist residency. The artist accepted without hesitation. Thanks to the support of the French Embassy in Libya and the French Institute, the project took shape: 18 days to discover a new country, a new culture, and above all, to leave his artistic mark on French walls.
Paris, the first act of an inspiring residency The residency begins at the La CLEF cultural center in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, where Shandoul is welcomed with open arms by a motivated and passionate team. Upon his arrival, he creates his first mural in the heart of the building, marking the beginning of a total immersion in the world of Parisian street art. Accompanied by volunteers and local artists, he walks the streets of Paris, discovers iconic monuments, and explores the 13th arrondissement, a hotspot for street art. It is there, on the walls of Spot 13, that he is offered the opportunity to create a work in situ, among the murals that have made the neighborhood famous.
Nantes, where worlds collide After ten intense days of encounters, discoveries, and culture shock, Shandoul takes the TGV to Nantes, where muralist Tanala awaits him. As part of the Labelrue collective, a new adventure began: two murals created by four hands, blending the worlds, techniques, and sensibilities of two artists with radically different backgrounds. Mutual respect, complicity, and the richness of their artistic exchanges gave rise to unique works, living testimonies to this encounter between East and West.
A human and artistic adventure This residency has been a human odyssey, a leap into the unknown, a celebration of creative freedom. For Shandoul, it is an opportunity to share his art and open himself up to new perspectives. For Artivista, it is proof that art can transcend cultural barriers and build bridges across borders.
