Schiltigheim. Street art: three colorful frescoes by Dan 23 are installed on rue de-Lattre-de-Tassigny

Conceived as a triptych, three impressive colored frescoes have been embellishing the facades of the Foyer Moderne for several weeks, and were created as part of the “ Beauty in the City ” tour.

In 2019, the Schiltigheim Children and Youth Council declared that the town was "ugly," explains delegated councilor Maïté Elia, and that it was necessary to "add some color" to beautify it.

In 2024, the fifth edition of "Beauty in the City" focused on nature. Dan 23 presented three projects representing different universes. Residents voted on the projects in the participatory space at the Schiltigheim site.

Foyer Moderne is partnering with the project for the second time. Its director, Sébastien Ehret, assures that he "wants to make the buildings more beautiful."

Maïté Elia adds that with these colorful facades, "art is accessible to all, artists leave their mark on the city." Mayor Danielle Dambach adds: "It brings happiness."

Dan 23 is part of the Colors Urban Art collective , created by Julien Lafarge in 2018 in Schiltigheim. With a well-defined mission: "Bring art and colors to where people live, to the streets of cities, especially on the outskirts and in neighborhoods." More than 500 of their works can be discovered in Strasbourg.

In 1984, Dan 23, at the age of 12, "saw a guy painting" and took up graffiti, captivated by hip-hop culture. Then he followed Banksy's street art movement. Paintings on the base of buildings, walls, and boxes. He's a committed artist who delivers real messages.

His works "are a promotional and educational tool," focusing on nature and ecology. In 30 years, he recalls, "80% of insects have disappeared."

The tenants are enthusiastic. Naiken regrets that the message is difficult to decipher; she had to explain it to her neighbors, but Dan, 23, is next door, ready to distribute the book he wrote and illustrated: "Another World is Possible."