Bache Pays Tribute to Mauricette, 92, in a Moving New Mural, Boulogne-sur-Mer
Bache new mural Boulogne-sur-Mer is one of the most emotionally resonant artworks to emerge from this year’s Boulogne-sur-Mer Street Art Festival . After completing a first mural on rue Laennec, the Mexican street artist created a second piece: a portrait tribute to Mauricette, 92, whose kindness and quiet presence became the heart of an unforgettable story of public art, memory, and community.
Painted at 46 boulevard Chanzy, the mural captures Mauricette’s portrait with striking warmth and dignity, transforming a personal encounter into a monumental work of public art. More than a portrait, the piece stands as a celebration of memory, community, and intergenerational connection, highlighting how street art can emerge from genuine human exchange.
Photo credit Boulogne-sur-Mer Street Art Festival
Bache mural Boulogne-sur-Mer: the story behind Mauricette’s mural
The story began on rue Laennec, where Bache was completing his first mural for the festival, an ode to the relationship between humanity and nature (read more here). Throughout the creation process, Mauricette, whose home provided a front-row view of the artwork in progress, visited the artist daily, offering water and small gestures of care.
Photo credit Boulogne-sur-Mer Street Art Festival
Despite the absence of a shared language, a bond formed naturally between them. Moved by Mauricette’s attentiveness, Bache photographed her one evening standing in her doorway, wearing a familiar, timeless outfit: a blue housecoat and slippers. It was a simple moment, yet it carried the emotional power of recognition.
“This lady truly touched me,” explains Bache. “She reminded me of my grandmother in Mexico. And painting is for me a daily need. When I finished my first wall, I immediately offered to make a new mural around this image.” (translated)
Photo credit Boulogne-sur-Mer Street Art Festival
For Mauricette, the tribute has been both surprising and deeply joyful. “I didn’t expect this project to happen so quickly,” she shares. “He has so much talent. It’s magnificent.” (translated)
Known for portraying figures with partially hidden faces, Bache uses purple flowers to slightly hide face.
Photo credit Boulogne-sur-Mer Street Art Festival
The Bache mural Boulogne-sur-Mer quickly became one of the festival’s most talked-about works. With this latest mural, the Boulogne-sur-Mer Street Art Festival continues its mission of bringing internationally recognised artists into meaningful dialogue with local residents and neighbourhoods, proving once again that public art can be both visually powerful and profoundly human.
Photo credit Boulogne-sur-Mer Street Art Festival