Stencil GodFather Blek Le Rat paints for 20x21EUG Mural Project, Eugene Oregon 2017

The 20x21EUG Mural Project is an initiative of the City of Eugene Cultural Service’s Public Art Program to create 20 or more world-class outdoor murals in Eugene between now and the 2021 IAAF World Championships. This is the first time the World Championships will be held in the United States.

The concept of a large scale public art project such as 20x21EUG came from Isaac Marquez, Public Art Manager for the City of Eugene in 2016 and has continued into 2017 with Chinese street artist Hua Tunan and now invited the Godfather of Stencil Art, Blek le Rat.

His work served as one of the inspirations for artists like Banksy and Space Invader. Born Xavier Prou, Blek adopted his pseudonym “Blek le Rat” from an Italian comic called “Blek le Roc.”

The artist created ten works of public art between July 29 and August 4, 2017, including the Crooner, Pied Piper and Tango Dancer.

His largest wall features The Pied Piper beckoning all the rats of the city to follow his song. Located at 100 E Broadway, Eugene on the building of IDX Broker, this work is best viewed from the parking garage on 10th and Oak. The Pied Piper features the face of his son, Alexander and his signature crooning rat in the corner.

The artist traversed the streets and alleys of Eugene looking for locations for his work. His iconic black and white stencils can be found on public and private spaces throughout the city’s core.

The 20x21EUG Mural Project is an initiative of the City of Eugene Cultural Service’s Public Art Program to create 20 or more world-class outdoor murals in Eugene between now and the 2021 IAAF World Championships. In 2021, the project will be the focus of an exhibition at the University of Oregon’s Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art.

 

 

For artwork by Stencil Godfather Blek le Rat, including the popular Crooner Rat, visit the store here.

 

 

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