Street Art by KogaOne

Think Calais is all about lace? Think again. The city also embraces another, more modern form of artistic expression—street art. Just look to your left and you’ll see what we mean. On walls, sidewalks, and entire building facades, Calais bursts with color and creativity. Street art, often misunderstood in its early days, began as an underground movement in the 1960s in the U.S., associated with graffiti, stencils, and protest art. Long dismissed as vandalism, it began to gain mainstream recognition in the 1990s, thanks to artists like Banksy. Today, this once “rogue” art form has earned its place in cities worldwide—and Calais is no exception. In 2020, the city launched its first street art festival, led by local graffiti artist Vyrüs and the association “Ateliers du Graff.” Now an annual summer event, the festival brings together national and international artists who leave their mark across the city. There are now over 50 murals spread across two themed routes: one by the sea, the other near the Lace and Fashion Museum.
One standout piece is right here: a massive female portrait created by KogaOne—real name Matthieu Antignac, an artist from Lorraine. True to his signature style, he started with a photograph and then added soft shapes and vibrant colors to create a striking contrast that’s quite unusual in the street art world. His style is instantly recognizable—and hard to ignore. So no, Calais isn’t just about the past. It’s a city that welcomes new forms of beauty and expression, right alongside its proud traditions.