In a kind of ephemeral graffiti, Smart Kreativ Stad had the French artist Julien Nonnon project portraits of animals wearing clothes onto building façades around Stockholm.

How might the city’s façades and surfaces be brought to life in the dark of night and be made more attractive? By projecting unexpected images in unusual and unexpected locations, the pilot study investigated the extent to which residents could imagine their city through new eyes and from a new perspective.

Process

August 2016 → December 2016

In public

November 25–26, 2016

Living on

In line with the artistic intention, the pilot study left a huge imprint on social media.

Safari Urbain began with a competition among location scouts to discover tthe most interesting building façade or wall in the city. Ten, ranging from an uncharted back alley to the Ericsson Globe arena, were finally selected. Images were projected from the artist’s own car, which was driven around the city. At each location, spectators were lent animal masks. Live music was provided by sound artist Andil Dahl.

The pilot study gave the inhabitants an opportunity to imagine their city through new eyes, while at the same time enhancing the city’s attractiveness. The study also spotlighted the specific expertise of location scouts, in particular their ability to recognize potential in rethinking existing places. This could be useful in urban development processes.