How EO Crew is Turning Paris into Their Personal Canvas
Written by Gaia Mattiello
Photos by Gaia Mattiello
I moved to Paris four years ago, and to say I was struck by it is an understatement. Even now, I’m not entirely sure what brought me there or why I chose to stay. I was escaping a job in fashion in Italy and seeking a project that would allow me to explore a new, eclectic environment. The fear of facing a metropolis alone mixed with a growing expectation and a curiosity that needed to be fulfilled. Today, I can say that what I was searching for manifested in the political fervor that permeates the streets of Paris: on the walls, in the subways, and in the values of its people. That’s why I want to share a new perspective on the world of graffiti.
Let’s take a temporal leap back to when I first crossed the threshold of a squat. To clarify, a squat is not just a housing solution but a lifestyle imbued with resilience. For many residents, these spaces offer refuge from skyrocketing rents and housing shortages. The atmosphere is charged with creativity: walls adorned with murals, improvised studios crowded with artists, and shared kitchens where communal meals foster connection. It was this very connection that intrigued me and drew me closer to the world of graffiti. As a photographer, I have always found it fascinating how artists can use their skills to make political themes accessible to all. Not far from the “perfect” French capital, one can find a different context, where the priorities shift to living life simply, intensely, and collectively, where ownership is removed from the vocabulary, and human values are embraced.
Before meeting these guys, I always thought that the world of graffiti was heavily male-dominated, with women often marginalized due to stereotypes and sexism. Witnessing so many women actively involved in this field inspired me and made me realize the importance of breaking down gender barriers. For me, this is not just an artistic gesture but a true political act that challenges conventions.
In this creative ferment, I encountered the crew I want to talk about today: EO. From here, I will open a door to this new vision of creativity. The crew comprises multiple personalities based in various European cities and boasts worldwide collaborations. It is a melting pot of different cultures, all united by a passion for graffiti, often marked by political significance and devoid of censorship, following no established patterns but rooted in respect.
Their style could be described as anarchic, a next-level approach where the sense of family prevails over territoriality. The colors of their works and the videos they produce represent a constant exploration of how different media can combine to achieve a singular objective grounded in fun.
I’ve met some of them; others I’ve only heard about, but their mark is distinctive, easily recognizable. Their style could be described as anarchic, a next-level approach where the sense of family prevails over territoriality. The colors of their works and the videos they produce represent a constant exploration of how different media can combine to achieve a singular objective grounded in fun. But it goes far beyond that, allowing everyone to participate, free from constraints or pretensions, transforming graffiti into a recreational act accessible to all. Tagging, often misunderstood as mere vandalism, is an art form that cannot be bought or sold, frequently emerging during protests. It entails risks but does not bend because it embraces political issues that should be central to our societal discourse. In many cities around the world, these artworks become the megaphone for those fighting for social justice, freedom, and dignity. Themes like class struggle and gender equality, along with the liberation of Palestine, intertwine in vibrant tags that tell stories of oppression and hope, serving as catalysts for reflection and social action. They remind us that art can be a means of resistance and change.
During my journey into urban culture, I had the pleasure of deepening my curiosity about the world of graffiti through someone with whom I share not only the same mindset but also a passion for photography. His life is a journey, a continuous back-and-forth between metropolises and forgotten landscapes, where he has left his mark. I had the privilege of conversing with him, discovering not only his passion for graffiti but also the rich tapestry of experiences that have shaped him. This young artist is not merely a writer; he is a visual storyteller, and his narrative invites us to see the beauty and complexity of urban life through his eyes.
First a photographer, then an artist, MR GREEMS is the one who visually overwhelms you in this raw and intense reality. With a camera in one hand and a spray can in the other, this creative has become a visual witness to social and political battles. Vivid colors and scenes from everyday life immerse you in a suburban world, making you wonder who those faces are, what those places signify, and how you arrived there. Through his photos, there’s a search for the unknown, a fascination with adrenaline. Constantly on the move, it’s not uncommon to find him in a different city from one day to the next, seeking new personalities to engage with and new brothers to connect with. With a keen eye on the current political landscape, his photos draw us into Parisian protests, the fight against fascism, and support for just causes. They also reveal what it means to live in a squat, outside the polished version of Paris commonly imagined, providing another side of the coin. His work exemplifies how art can transcend boundaries and unite communities, serving as a bridge between different forms of expression. Through his practice, he not only documents reality but also creates dialogue, inviting everyone to actively participate in the struggle for a fairer world. In an era when protest voices are growing louder, his work represents a visual testament to resistance.
However, as the artist explained, finding material to work with is not always easy. There are numerous complications, such as a scarcity of legal spaces and negative attitudes from certain authorities towards urban art. Legal restrictions can stifle creativity and force artists to often clash with these constraints, making the creative process even riskier. Additionally, the creative process is often marked by unpredictability: the desired outcome is not always achieved. Documenting these moments of imperfection and the comedic situations that arise becomes an integral part of his narrative, giving his photos a distinctive quality. He and other crew members strive to elevate graffiti to another level; the tag does not need to be aesthetically pleasing—this is not what they seek. It is a spontaneous, almost daily act that combats the censorship of a ruling class intent on perpetuating ignorance and distancing youth from human values.
He and other crew members strive to elevate graffiti to another level; the tag does not need to be aesthetically pleasing—this is not what they seek. It is a spontaneous, almost daily act that combats the censorship of a ruling class intent on perpetuating ignorance and distancing youth from human values.
A fundamental part of his practice is the daily documentation of their works, which intersects with the social stories shared within the EO crew. This group has initiated a series of alternating projects, uniting their forces to support one another through successes and challenges. Through mutual support, crew members overcome difficulties, celebrating achievements and stimulating collective creativity. They often promote collective publications of fanzines, creating an inclusive space for artists from various disciplines, such as photographers, comic artists, and illustrators. A significant success was the recent event held in southern France, which involved many figures from Parisian night crews and beyond. Young individuals dazzled by this new visual experimentation danced and enjoyed themselves, becoming part of a world that no longer seems so dark.
The story of the EO crew caught my attention precisely because of this vision: making graffiti is not just an act of rebellion but a powerful tool for unity. Through their work, these artists demonstrate that art can break down barriers, promote dialogue, and create connections between different communities. In an increasingly polarized artistic landscape, their experience offers us an important lesson on how art can serve as a catalyst for social and cultural change. The very act of creating graffiti transforms into an emblematic gesture of resistance against capitalism. In an age when art is often relegated to an elitist level, accessible only to the wealthy, graffiti emerges as a form of democratic expression. Through it, a network of communication and inquiry is created, where marginalized voices can finally be heard. It is crucial to emphasize that the crew’s goal is not to seek fame but rather to provide a political voice through their art. And while they do this, they have fun, transforming creativity into an act of joy. This approach not only makes their work unique but also contributes to creating an environment where art becomes a celebration of diversity.
Gaia Mattiello, on the border between Naples – my umbilical cord – and the world. Photographer and journalist, believe me, if you try to put a hand in my bag – among the many things you can find – there will always be a camera and a flash ready to make the city of lights squint.