Steeven Salvat, an artist based in Paris, presents his captivating series called Petite Nature. His creative process starts with gathering dried flowers and plants from the forests and fields surrounding the city. These natural elements serve as the foundation for his artwork, as he skillfully draws intricate creatures around them, with a particular focus on small animals.
In a departure from conventional perceptions, Salvat emphasizes that creatures like salamanders, mice, and geckos hold equal importance to majestic animals such as lions or pandas. To him, the beauty of nature resides not only in grandeur but also in the delicate wonders that exist at the smaller scale.
After completing his China ink drawings, Salvat takes them to the bustling streets of Paris. Utilizing wheat paste, he artfully attaches his creations to various urban surfaces. This act of pasting his artwork in public spaces became a turning point for the artist. It opened his eyes to the transformative power of showcasing his drawings on a larger scale, reaching heights of up to three meters. The juxtaposition of his intricate illustrations against the backdrop of a charming street amplifies the impact his art has on viewers.
For Salvat, the experience of interacting with people who encounter his street art is always a joyous occasion. He finds delight in sharing a moment with individuals as they stumble upon his creations unexpectedly. The ephemeral nature of street art allows for a unique connection between the artist, the artwork, and its audience. By placing his drawings in the public sphere, Salvat invites participation and dialogue, fostering an atmosphere of shared appreciation for art and nature.
The fusion of organic elements with Salvat’s imaginative creatures creates a sense of harmony between the man-made and the natural world. Through his artwork, he encourages viewers to recognize the significance of even the smallest organisms within our ecosystem. By highlighting these often-overlooked creatures, Salvat challenges societal norms and prompts us to reconsider our preconceived notions about the hierarchy of importance in the animal kingdom.
Steeven Salvat’s Petite Nature series reminds us of the interconnectedness of all living beings and the beauty that can be found in the most unassuming places. His evocative street art serves as a powerful visual commentary, inviting us to pause, reflect, and appreciate the wonders of nature that surround us every day, whether in expansive landscapes or hidden corners of our urban environment.
