Franco-Algerian painter Bilal Hamdad is currently celebrating urban daily life that rarely receives recognition in the art world through his exhibition at the Petit-Palais in Paris. His photorealistic paintings present a striking visual experience that challenges viewers' perceptions of contemporary city living.
The effect remains captivating even as visitors approach the artworks closely - from a distance, the paintings are virtually indistinguishable from photographs. This remarkable visual impact stems from two key factors: Hamdad's refined technique, which has evolved into what could be called "naturalism 2.0" - both dynamic and solidly constructed - and his choice of subjects and locations that are intimately connected to contemporary urban life.
Viewers find themselves amazed by the collection of approximately twenty oil paintings on canvas, some of them enormous in scale. The works depict scenes such as a young Black boy with his foot positioned on a scooter, diners gathered around a table on a café terrace, and a particularly striking portrayal of the bustling crowd at the Barbès-Rochechouart metro station exit, complete with street vendors selling corn, commuters, and cleaning staff.
"Life as I see it. Daily life where I just allow myself to slip in references and play with codes, while remaining accessible," explains the artist, who typically draws inspiration from photographs taken during his Parisian wanderings. His creative process is methodical and observant: "In summer, preferably every other day, I go out for walks before sunset. This allows me to build up an image bank, based on the principle of a sketchbook, isolating a silhouette, a dog, etc., which will be integrated into folders from which I'll imagine compositions."
Hamdad has been gaining recognition in art circles in recent years, with his reputation spreading from Cannes to Brussels. Today, he has achieved a significant milestone with his exhibition at one of Paris's most prestigious venues, marking a new chapter in his artistic career. His work represents a unique perspective on urban life, bringing visibility to everyday scenes and people who often go unnoticed in traditional art spaces.
The exhibition showcases Hamdad's ability to transform ordinary street photography into extraordinary artistic statements. Through his photorealistic technique, he elevates mundane urban moments into compelling visual narratives that speak to contemporary city dwellers' experiences. His Algerian heritage combined with his French artistic training creates a distinctive voice that captures the multicultural essence of modern Paris.
This recognition at the Petit-Palais represents not just personal success for Hamdad, but also a broader acknowledgment of diverse artistic voices that reflect the reality of contemporary urban France. His paintings serve as both artistic achievements and social documents, preserving moments of daily life that might otherwise be forgotten or overlooked.
