RAST, whose real name is Julien Ripert, didn't choose between his two passions: painting and mechanics. After working at Renault as an engineer, he left everything behind to dedicate himself to a unique project: creating murals that come alive through integrated motors.
When Mechanics Meets Street Art
The principle appears simple but requires masterful precision: each fresco integrates mechanical elements including gears, articulated arms, and flapping wings powered by renewable energy sources, primarily solar panels. The result: monumental portraits that move at fixed times, like a living appointment with the neighborhood.
Spectacular Frescoes in the Streets and in Hearts
The artist doesn't like galleries; he prefers concrete. His playground consists of building facades, school walls, and electrical boxes. Since 2019, he has created more than 120 frescoes in France, Italy, and the United States. Each time, he chooses his subjects from faces encountered during his travels, then composes powerful portraits with ultra-dense texture, a characteristic trait of his style.
In Créteil, he created the world's largest fresco of Nelson Mandela: 44 meters high, 8 meters wide, requiring one month of work and featuring 7 integrated motors. In Saint-Cyr-l'École, he broke his own record with 36 motors for an abstract work measuring 10 meters by 3 meters. Each of his creations becomes a technical feat, but most importantly, a vehicle for collective emotion.
Living Art That's Engaged and Profoundly Human
Beyond the spectacular effect, his frescoes tell stories. Stories of forgotten faces he immortalizes. Stories of residents in working-class neighborhoods he encounters daily. Stories of the artist himself, seeking living, vibrant art connected to people and their environment.
"When I paint a static fresco, I feel like it's not finished," RAST explains.
Movement becomes for him an extension of the portrait, an additional breath given to works already charged with humanity. His goal? To touch passersby, provoke encounters, and awaken consciousness.
For more information about his works or to acquire them, people can visit his Instagram page and website. For those who appreciate this type of art, they might also enjoy discovering the incredible murals from the Tbilisi Mural Fest 2024, an essential event for urban art enthusiasts in Georgia.
The artist's innovative approach represents a revolutionary fusion of traditional street art with cutting-edge technology. By incorporating solar-powered mechanical elements into his murals, RAST has created an entirely new form of public art that challenges conventional boundaries between static and dynamic artistic expression.
Each piece requires extensive planning and engineering expertise. The solar panels must be positioned to capture optimal sunlight throughout the day, while the mechanical components need to be weatherproofed and durable enough to withstand outdoor conditions year-round. The timing mechanisms are programmed to activate the movements at specific intervals, creating moments of surprise and wonder for viewers.
The selection of subjects for his portraits reflects RAST's commitment to social engagement. Rather than focusing on celebrities or well-known figures, he often chooses ordinary people whose stories deserve recognition. The Nelson Mandela piece in Créteil stands as an exception, honoring the civil rights leader's legacy through both artistic beauty and technological innovation.
RAST's background as a Renault engineer proves invaluable in executing these complex projects. His technical knowledge allows him to design reliable mechanical systems that can operate autonomously for extended periods. The transition from automotive engineering to street art might seem unusual, but for RAST, it represents a natural evolution of his creative and technical interests.
The artist's work has gained international recognition, with installations spreading across continents. Each new project presents unique challenges, from adapting to different climates to working with local communities. The collaborative aspect of his work extends beyond the technical installation to include engagement with residents who will live with these animated artworks as part of their daily environment.
This innovative approach to street art demonstrates how traditional artistic mediums can evolve through technology integration. RAST's solar-powered murals represent sustainable art practices while creating lasting impact in urban spaces. The renewable energy aspect aligns with growing environmental consciousness in contemporary art practices.
The artist continues to push boundaries with each new installation, constantly refining his techniques and expanding the possibilities of what animated street art can achieve. His work stands as a testament to the power of interdisciplinary creativity, proving that the intersection of art, engineering, and social engagement can produce truly transformative public experiences.
