Paris Underground

There are store than 177 miles of man-made tunnels and disused quarries under the streets of Paris.These subterranean spaces have become a focus for urban culture and creativity, resulting in a private treasure-house of art, music and writing. For over 300 years anonymous and illicit visilors have sought to memorialize and comment on events above ground. Hidden in the darkness, and working in unconfortable conditions, They have created paintings, drawings, graffiti, and sculpture on the walls of the tunnels, as well as ephemeral paper works that are concealed in the stone.
Some visitors have been fugities, many have simply sought a place to create undisturbed.Their subject matteris varied and often subversive, it ranges from curents events and politics to the poetic and downright strange ; but whatever the subject, the underground art records history with originality, creativity and style. New material is continually being added, it is rare anything is removed, and after 300 years a riot of imagery and objects have accumulated, making a startling and unique environment.
Caroline Archer and Alexandre Parré describe the history and events that have lead to this extraordinary underground gallery. Gilles Thomas and Gilles Tondini have undertaken the difficult task or identifying and capturing exuberant, creative and inspirational examples that show off the variety and energy of the artworks to be found in Paris Underground. This book is an essential record for everyone with an interest in design or in contemporary urban culture.