L’ATLAS
Purity, duality, and a universal visual language
A major figure in contemporary street art, L’Atlas (born Jules Dedet in 1978) has developed over the past two decades a highly distinctive body of work at the crossroads of calligraphy, geometry, and philosophy. His visual language—most often rendered in black and white—explores the notion of duality: order and chaos, fullness and emptiness, tradition and modernity. This carefully balanced tension gives his work a hypnotic, almost meditative power.
Rejecting conventional academic paths early on, L’Atlas chose the street as his primary field of experimentation. His artistic journey led him to Morocco and Egypt, where he studied Arabic calligraphy with master calligraphers, immersing himself in ancestral gestures and symbolic systems. Upon returning to Paris, he fused these traditional techniques with contemporary urban practices, notably using white adhesive tape—borrowed from film sets—alongside spray paint, creating a singular and instantly recognizable style.
His signature motifs—labyrinths, compasses, geometric structures, and directional forms—have become emblematic of his practice. Often applied directly to the ground in public spaces, these labyrinths invite both physical and mental engagement, transforming the viewer into an active participant. More than images, his works function as visual puzzles, pathways to be deciphered.
Deeply influenced by Asian philosophy and the pursuit of a universal language, L’Atlas seeks absolute purity of form—an abstract writing capable of transcending cultures and borders. This approach has earned him international recognition, with works held in numerous prestigious private and institutional collections worldwide.
In 2024, L’Atlas further consolidated his global presence through major exhibitions and presentations, continuing to push the boundaries between geometric abstraction and calligraphic heritage, and reaffirming his position as a leading figure in contemporary urban art.
L’Atlas has been working with the gallery since 2020, developing a long-term and trusted collaboration through multiple projects and presentations. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to a rigorous, conceptual, and timeless vision of street art—situated between the street and the exhibition space.
Balancing tradition and innovation, discipline and poetry, L’Atlas’ work stands today as a defining reference of 21st-century street art.
