Bordalo II: the Portuguese street artist presents his "Irréversible" exhibition in Paris, our photos

This spring, Parisian gallery Mathgoth is once again showcasing the impressive work of activist artist Artur Bordalo, aka Bordalo II. Originally from Portugal, this urban artist produces hard-hitting, committed works denouncing overproduction and excessive consumption. Bordalo II uses plastic waste to create sculptures, often monumental, mainly depicting animals threatened with extinction.

For some years now, his works have been exhibited all over the world. Many of them can be seen in his native Portugal, notably in Lisbon. His work can also be seen in Miami, São Paulo, Norway, Brussels, Tallinn in Estonia and France.

From May 24 to June 28, 2025, Galerie Mathgoh - located in the 13th arrondissement of Paris - presents the artist's new solo show. Entitled " Irréversible ", it aims to denounce the ravages and excesses of our society through the exhibition of original works, created exclusively for the occasion. In fact, this is an off-site exhibition. To present the forty or so works by the Portuguese street artist, the Mathgoth gallery is taking over a space just a few blocks from its HQ. The " Irréversible " exhibition can be admired at N°1 rue Alphonse Boudard (13th arrondissement).

And what an exhibition it is! I might as well tell you right now, but you're likely to come away from this installation with a different view of our world and our planet. For Bordalo II is an artist whose primary aim is to challenge the public and denounce what's wrong with the world.

Lovers of Bordalo II 's work will be able to discover some new portraits of endangered animals made from plastic and metal waste (stuffed animals, dolls, computer keyboards, bicycle helmets...). Gorilla, monkey, feline, baby hippo, bat... These endearing animals are here to alert us to climate change and the very real threats to biodiversity.

• To be read
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" Irréversible " also features works from the artist's"Lighted" series. These luminous, colorful forms, also created from waste, accompany a short film projected in a cube with black walls. An opportunity to discover these creatures, seemingly from the future, evolving in urban space. Scaling the metro, climbing on the roofs of trains and crossing the tracks, they appear to be free of all social constraints. Beyond the visual narrative, Bordalo II asks us a question: "When did we lose the right to live freely?

Finally, and for the first time, Galerie Mathgoth presents a number of creations from the " Provocs " series. Here, Bordalo II hijacks everyday objects (old telephones, road signs, toolboxes, old TV sets, etc.) to offer a fresh, critical vision of society, its players and its contradictions.

More contemporary and conceptual, this series highlights various social issues, from climate to consumerism, injustice and inequality. A missile filled with dolls' heads, a telephone with a weapon as handset, a walled-in television or a child's coffin containing a rifle are certainly the most striking works in the exhibition. Please note that some of these creations may offend the sensibilities of younger visitors. We therefore do not recommend this exhibition for families with young children.

On the other hand, " Irréversible " should appeal not only to die-hard Bordalo II fans, but also to lovers of hard-hitting urban and contemporary art! In addition, a book specially published for the occasion is on sale at the gallery.

To discover this " Irréversible " installation and the committed artistic work of Bordalo II, visit the Mathgoth gallery from May 24 to June 28, 2025. Admission is free. The vernissage, in the presence of the artist, is scheduled for Saturday May 24 from 3pm.