C215
ABOUT THE ARTIST AND HIS INSPIRATIONS
Behind the code name C215 hides one of the most influential street artists in France. Christian Guémy, aka C215, was born in France in 1973. He began working with stencils and graffiti in 2006. At the same time, he pursued studies in history and economics before gradually turning toward art history.
This background led to a deep fascination with the work of Caravaggio. As a result, C215 seeks to capture the brilliance and beauty of classical art and bring it into our modern urban landscapes. To achieve this, he reclaims city walls and paints dreamlike, colorful works of art.
FAVOURITE THEMES
The trigger for his artistic journey was his separation from his wife. At the time, his daughter was just four years old. Determined to show her that she was always on his mind, he painted her portrait—Nina—on a wall in his neighborhood. This moment marked the beginning of his career as an urban painter.
His daughter, and more broadly the world of childhood, have since become central themes in his work. These subjects remain a constant presence in his art. C215 also explores broader, more universal themes. With a consistently humanist perspective, he focuses on those who are marginalized or forgotten by society, bringing them into the spotlight through public art. The anonymous become the stars of his stencils. He also ventures into lighter, more whimsical imagery, often portraying lovers or animals—especially cats.
GALLERY WORKS AND MONUMENTAL MURALS
C215’s works are generally life-sized, aiming to stay as close as possible to reality and to those who pass by—though some of his murals are on a much larger scale. His creations radiate with vibrant colors and carefully crafted lighting. Through expressive lines and facial details, the character of each subject comes to life. The faces seem to breathe, casting a poetic air over the city.
For the artist, street art must blend into its environment, engage in dialogue with its surroundings, and demonstrate true aesthetic quality. His primary influence is none other than Ernest Pignon-Ernest, a pioneer of street art in France.
C215’s work has now spread across the globe, both in the streets and within museums. His signature is instantly recognizable: a stylized cube enclosing his artist name—C215.
C215 – ANONYMOUS IN THE WIND – PAINTING ON FINE ART PAPER – 50 X 35 CM (FRAMED UNDER GLASS, BLACK WOOD – 62.5 X 43 X 3 CM)
C215 – Mucha – Painting on metal – 78 x 37 x 2 cm (american box frame, black wood, 82 x 42 x 4 cm)
C215 – Le chat – Pencil and spay paint on wood- 63 x 45 cm
C215 – Rimbaud – Painted portrait on printed and enhanced paper – 39 x 26 cm – Under glass frame, black wood, 42.5 x 30 x 4 cm
C215 – Pétillante anonyme – Painting on fine art paper – 50 x 35 cm (glass frame, black wood – 62,5 x 43 x 3 cm)
C215 – Cat woman – Painting on a map of New York – 41 x 43 cm, under glass frame, black wood, 45.5 x 47 x 4 cm
C215 – Pristi XL – digital print – signed and numbered – 50 x 40 cm
C215 – Raoni – Painting on enamel – 50 x 40 cm
C 215 – Nina – Spray paint, stencil and acrylic on paper -frame glass, white wood – 26 x 23,5 x 3’’
C215 – Michael Jackson – 62 x 36 cm – American wooden box – 66,5 x 40 x 3,5 cm
