Seth Globepainter

Seth, originally from Paris, first discovered his love for public art in the mid-1990s. He became an active participant in the city’s graffiti scene, especially making a mark in the 20th district. His unique style quickly emerged, as he focused on crafting various character portraits, a feature that would come to define his work.

After his studies at the Ecole Nationale des Arts Décoratifs, a prestigious art institution, Seth partnered with Gautier Bischoff to release Kapital in 2000. This iconic book about French graffiti culture gained massive success, securing its place as one of the most popular publications on the subject. In 2004, Seth and Bischoff went on to establish Wasted Talent, a publishing enterprise focused on producing monographs that celebrated urban artists.

Before fully immersing himself in the world of art, Seth gained valuable experience in several creative sectors such as advertising, animation, and comics. Yet, his passion for street art remained undiminished, and he continued to create murals around the city for his personal enjoyment.

In 2003, Seth decided to expand his horizons and embarked on a global journey. The purpose of this trip was to interact with and learn from artists of diverse cultural backgrounds, to broaden his understanding of urban art and its varied global expressions. Seth’s travels and experiences culminated in the book Globe Painter, published in 2004, which offered a comprehensive look at the world of street art.

Subsequently, he was involved in the creation of the documentary series Les Nouveaux Explorateurs. This series, produced and aired by Canal+, was aimed at exploring different countries through the lens of their urban art scenes. For five years, Seth took part in this project, traveling to 15 distinctive locations and enriching his artistic perspective.

Throughout his artistic journey, Seth cultivated a unique painting style, often incorporating themes of childhood. He uses the blank canvas of a city wall to bring forth elements from individual or collective imagination—local legends, myths, or narratives. Children often become the central characters in his works, acting as mouthpieces for his artistic exploration. He juxtaposes the image of childhood innocence with challenging social, political, and geographical contexts, making his art both deeply moving and thought-provoking.

Seth’s work frequently carries a double meaning, yet it avoids cynicism. His urban art focuses on highlighting the state of the world, aiming not just to critique it but also to suggest ways for improvement. Seth’s journey from a graffiti artist to a globally recognized urban painter is not only a testament to his talent but also to his dedication to using art as a tool for societal awareness and change.