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The City of Eugene Cultural Service’s Public Art Program is spearheading the 20x21EUG Mural Project with the aim of commissioning 20 or more top-tier outdoor murals in Eugene, Oregon, before the 2021 IAAF World Championships, which marks the first time the event will be hosted in the United States. This ambitious initiative seeks to enhance the city’s cultural landscape and promote public art by bringing world-class murals to Eugene’s streetscapes.
The inception of the 20x21EUG Mural Project, a significant public art endeavour, can be traced back to Isaac Marquez, the Public Art Manager for the City of Eugene, in 2016. Since then, the project has gained momentum and continued into 2017 with the participation of renowned Chinese street artist Hua Tunan. Presently, the project has invited Blek le Rat, who is considered the Godfather of Stencil Art, to contribute to this notable initiative.
Blek le Rat, 20x21EUG Mural project, Tacovore, Eugene 2017. Photo Credit Athena Delene
Blek le Rat, 20x21EUG Mural project, Tacovore, Eugene 2017. Photo Credit Athena Delene
Blek le Rat, born Xavier Prou, is a revolutionary French artist whose work has been a source of inspiration for many contemporary artists, including Banksy. His pseudonym, “Blek le Rat,” was derived from a popular Italian comic book character called “Blek le Roc.” Blek’s artistic style is characterized by his use of black and white stencils, which he uses to create thought-provoking and impactful works of art.
Blek le Rat, 20x21EUG Mural project, Eugene 2017. Photo Credit Maricel Teague of Imagination International
Blek le Rat and Dan Witz, 20x21EUG Mural project, Eugene 2017. Photo Credit Maricel Teague of Imagination International
During the period from July 29 to August 4, 2017, the artist produced a total of ten public art pieces. Among these, the Crooner, Pied Piper, and Tango Dancer were some of the notable creations.
Blek le Rat, 20x21EUG Mural project, Eugene. Photo Credit Debbie Williamson Smith
Blek le Rat, Tango Dancer, 20x21EUG Mural project, Tacovore, Eugene 2017. Photo Credit Athena Delene
Blek le Rat, 20x21EUG Mural project, Hult, Centre of Performing Arts, Eugene 2017. Photo Credit Debbie Williamson Smith
Blek le Rat, 20x21EUG Mural project, Downtown Eugene 2017. Photo Credit Athena Delene
The prominent wall art created by the artist depicts The Pied Piper, who is seen luring all the rats of the city with his music. This fascinating artwork is situated at 100 E Broadway, Eugene, on the building of IDX Broker. The best vantage point for viewing this masterpiece is from the parking garage located at 10th and Oak. Notably, The Pied Piper prominently displays the face of the artist’s son, Alexander, and his signature crooning rat in the corner.
Blek le Rat, Crooner Rat, 20x21EUG Mural project, Eugene 2017. Photo Credit Debbie Williamson Smith
Blek le Rat, Pied Piper, 20x21EUG Mural project, Eugene 2017. Photo Credit Debbie Williamson Smith
Blek le Rat, 20x21EUG Mural project, Eugene 2017. Photo Credit Ben Schorzman
The artist embarked on a thorough exploration of Eugene’s streets and alleys in search of potential spots for his artistic creations. His signature and well-known black and white stencils can be found adorning both public and private spaces scattered throughout the city’s central area.
Blek le Rat, 20x21EUG Mural project, Eugene 2017. Photo Credit Debbie Williamson Smith
The 20x21EUG Mural Project is a remarkable cultural endeavour launched by the City of Eugene Cultural Service’s Public Art Program. The project aims to create over 20 top-notch outdoor murals in Eugene by the time the 2021 IAAF World Championships take place. The project has gained considerable traction since its inception and has received participation from renowned artists such as Hua Tunan and Blek le Rat. In 2021, the project will be the centrepiece of an exhibition at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art, a part of the University of Oregon.
For artwork by Stencil Godfather Blek le Rat, including the popular Crooner Rat, visit the store here.
