Fencing match with fishing rods on the quays, a game of tennis between two balconies with saucepans as rackets, a final sprint to get the last free seat on the terrace of a café... On the occasion of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, the imaginary magazine “The Parisianer” transforms the daily lives of Parisians into great sporting exploits.
In total, 43 imaginary covers are brought together in a special issue, “The Parisianer, sport in the city” (ed. La Martinière), printed in 10,000 copies and available since March 1.
Each of them is illustrated by a different artist and depicts, in an offbeat way, the sporting disciplines in the streets of the capital.
Also read: “I couldn’t have dreamed of better!
»: 40,000 Olympic volunteers gathered for the first time at La Défense Arena
“The Parisianer” is a collaborative artistic project born in 2013 which brings together more than 150 artists from illustration and comics.
With a simple concept: create fictional magazine covers inspired by the style of the covers of the famous American magazine “The New Yorker”.
“Parisian life is sport”
“We couldn't miss this great Olympic year in Paris because sport will be at the heart of daily life, but we didn't want to show the athletes in their stadiums or in competition gear.
What interests us is Parisian life, the Parisian streets, the little habits of Parisians,” explains Michaël Prigent, co-founder and artistic director of the magazine.
In the tumult of the capital, “Parisian life is sport”, summarizes Michaël Prigent: “We carry our groceries like weightlifters, we struggle in the metro like rugby players!
»
Read alsoOJ Paris 2024: “I have a dream, it is to light the Olympic cauldron”, proclaims Marie-José Pérec
The project also aims to reassure Parisians as these Olympic months approach, which are likely to disrupt their daily lives.
“We know that they are dreading the Olympics because their city will belong to them a little less.
We wanted to include them by telling them
the Olympics are coming to you, but don't forget that you yourself are in a sporting life
, constantly in motion,” concludes Michaël Prigent.
The posters are displayed on the gates of Paris town hall, at 29 rue de Rivoli (IVe), until April 30, 2024.