Mantra turns blind building walls into giant butterfly studies
Youri Cansell, known as Mantra, is a French street artist born in Metz. He grew up between city noise and nearby countryside, and that split shows in his work. He has painted in public spaces since 2008, usually on very large walls.
Who is Youri Cansell?
He is a self-taught French muralist from Metz who works under the name Mantra.
When did Mantra start painting in public?
He has painted in the streets since 2008, beginning with graffiti.
What subjects does Mantra paint?
His subjects include butterflies, owls, spiders and birds, often at a very large scale.
Where can you see his murals?
His work appears in cities including Buenos Aires, Seattle, Vienna, Paris, Lima, Quito and Bogota.
Why did he choose the name Mantra?
He has said he picked the word for its simple sound, with no deeper plan behind it.
Mantra’s realistic, lively style pairs the natural world with architecture. For some projects he works with entomologists to study local species before painting them onto walls.
Youri Cansell aka Mantra at a glance
- Born: 1987, Metz, France
- Nationality: French
- Lives and works in: France and abroad
- Medium: Murals, graffiti, painting
- Known for: Large insect and animal murals on building facades
- Education: Self-taught
- Notable project: Public murals in Belgium, Denmark and Sweden
- Website: streetartmankind.org
Early life and development
Mantra grew up in Metz, where the city met the forest. As a child he spent hours in gardens and fields, and his fascination with insects started there. He describes that early attention to small living things as lasting throughout his life.
He taught himself to paint. Graffiti was his first public outlet, and he chose it for direct expression. Over time his work moved from walls with simple lettering toward large, realistic images of nature.
“a simple attraction of this word” (Mantra, on choosing his nickname)
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