In an effort to bring some color to some grey and rather drab walls in the 13th arrondissement (district) of Paris, local authorities created a regeneration project called Street Art 13. The project, which has been hailed as a success and a model for other cities to follow, gives artists an opportunity to use prominent spaces throughout the district.

This gigantic piece is called ‘Rise Up Rebel’ by Californian artist Shepard Fairey. It was adopted from an earlier work and was completed in June, 2012. The piece stands amidst several other large-scale street-art works in the same area, many of which can easily be seen by people passing by on line 6 of the Paris Metro.

You might be somewhat familiar with Shepard Fairey’s work in the form of OBEY posters or stencils that have appeared in several cities around the world. However, his most widely known piece is the iconic 2008 ‘Hope‘ poster that featured the then Presidential nominee – and eventual winner, Barack Obama.

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See the piece from the street using Google street view.

Watch a short video about Rise Above Rebel in Paris, and also a video about Obey.