Florence is the birthplace of the Renaissance, one of the greatest centres of art in the whole world, home to Michelangelo's “David” and countless other masterpieces by some of the most famous artists in history. It is also a city with history written into its very streets. One can barely turn around without seeing a landmark or a remnant of times gone by. In such cities, graffiti is rarely welcome. People see it and are horrified at the vandalising of history. However, even Michelangelo left a tiny piece of street art in the city and, today, another artist is doing the same but in a very respectful, tongue-in-cheek manner.
CLET, a French artist living in Florence, takes everyday objects in the city and adds a sense of whimsy and fun with removable stickers that don't damage anything but breathe new life into such a historic space. Find a villa with pool in Florence and then find his works and studio.
Clet Abraham, known as CLET, transforms the ubiquitous city street signs into discrete works of art with his removable stickers and has become a beloved figure in his adopted home and across the social media platforms that he uses to promote his art. From Brittany, he moved to Italy years ago and settled in Florence as it is close to where his son is located (in Arezzo) and family of his who live in Tuscany.
Clet Abraham, known as CLET, transforms the ubiquitous city street signs into discrete works of art with his removable stickers and has become a beloved figure in his adopted home and across the social media platforms that he uses to promote his art. From Brittany, he moved to Italy years ago and settled in Florence as it is close to where his son is located (in Arezzo) and family of his who live in Tuscany.
Twenty years ago, when he first arrived, he worked as a restorer in an antique furniture shop in Rome. He now works from a studio in the San Niccolò neighbourhood, going out a night to make his alterations to street signs, and producing paintings and sculptures as a formally trained artist during the day.
On the corner in front of the Church of San Niccolò, you will see a glass door with a silver sign which reads “CLET”, this is his studio. On the road to Piazzale Michelangelo, Florence’s best sightseeing spot, it's easy to find and on the way to other sights. Make sure to pop in an experience a bit of contemporary art in the city as well as its history of art.
The location and obviousness of the studio, as well as the fact that his true identity is known, shows how authorities purposefully turn a blind eye to the artist and (though sometimes it is removed) allow his art to continue. Locals, students, art lovers, fans and curious tourists alike stop by to meet the artist, have a look around or buy souvenirs, such as stickers or magnets of Clet’s popular street signs.
Clet is quick to point out that doesn’t want to ruin or destroy things with his art. His stickers are easy to take and merely wishes to peacefully work and contribute to the “street art” of a cultural and historical city like Florence. Make sure you keep your eyes peeled for his works and pop in to visit if you can!
On the corner in front of the Church of San Niccolò, you will see a glass door with a silver sign which reads “CLET”, this is his studio. On the road to Piazzale Michelangelo, Florence’s best sightseeing spot, it's easy to find and on the way to other sights. Make sure to pop in an experience a bit of contemporary art in the city as well as its history of art.
The location and obviousness of the studio, as well as the fact that his true identity is known, shows how authorities purposefully turn a blind eye to the artist and (though sometimes it is removed) allow his art to continue. Locals, students, art lovers, fans and curious tourists alike stop by to meet the artist, have a look around or buy souvenirs, such as stickers or magnets of Clet’s popular street signs.
Clet is quick to point out that doesn’t want to ruin or destroy things with his art. His stickers are easy to take and merely wishes to peacefully work and contribute to the “street art” of a cultural and historical city like Florence. Make sure you keep your eyes peeled for his works and pop in to visit if you can!
Photo credits
picture 1: LivornoDP / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2: LivornoDP / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: LivornoDP / CC BY-SA 3.0
picture 1: LivornoDP / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 2: LivornoDP / CC BY-SA 3.0;
picture 3: LivornoDP / CC BY-SA 3.0
