The art of “healing wounds” on the streets

Walking on the streets of Ankara, Turkey, passersby sometimes encounter vibrant patches of color on the sidewalks, where French artist Ememem painstakingly fills potholes and cracks with vibrant ceramic mosaics.

Ememem calls it “flacking”—the art of transforming unsightly cracks and potholes into unique, colorful ceramic patches. These sidewalk patches are made from recycled materials, broken glass, or discarded ceramics. Ememem's inspiration comes from the spirit of the city. To many, Ankara might appear gray, but to him, it is full of color, light, and traditional patterns. Sometimes, the artworks are accompanied by inscriptions, reflecting his personal impressions or everyday sayings he hears on the street.

Starting in Lyon (France) – the hometown of the artist who keeps his identity and face hidden – Ememem's works gradually appeared in Paris (France), Milan (Italy), Barcelona (Spain), Leipzig (Germany), then Chicago, New York (USA), and even the Paris 2024 Olympic Athletes' Village. What Ememem enjoys most is quietly creating his works at night, based on the belief that the streets belong to everyone, including himself. “We don’t ask permission. We do it because the streets belong to everyone,” Ememem says.

A street art piece by Ememem. Photo: AA

The image of his grandfather sweeping the yard and then the street in front of his house, considering it a part of himself, planted the seed of street art in Ememem's memory. Ememem shares a profound philosophy: when something belongs to everyone, it's easy to think it doesn't belong to us. Through art that adorns cracks, he wants to remind us that the streets, the city, and society are ours, and we are all creators.

For Ememem, his work is art, poetry, and also carries subtle messages. In Mostar, Bosnia, he once filled a bomb crater with ceramic mosaics depicting barbed wire, reminiscent of historical relics. Many who admire Emememem's work believe that these vibrant patches of color, in addition to their repair purpose, also beautify the urban landscape and remind people of its imperfections.

Ememem's mosaic artworks have attracted the attention of politicians , local and international officials. Speaking to the press, the French Ambassador to Turkey, Isabelle Dumont, said that the artworks created near the embassy have added beauty to the area.

According to Ms. Dumont, the recycled materials used by Ememem are not only beautiful but also symbolic. Some Ankara government officials believe that with art transcending physical and cultural boundaries, Ememem's works will not be limited by any borders and will appear in many other locations in the future.

According to Ememem, the streets have always been an art space. He shared: "When used correctly, art can connect people very quickly, whether they are artists or anyone else."

PEARL

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/nghe-thuat-chua-lanh-cac-vet-thuong-tren-duong-pho-post802641.html