“Frenchies & Friends” Solo Exhibition by Sebastien “Mr.D 1987” Boileau,
Presented by PaperCity Magazine
Free Opening Night Party : October 31st, 2024
Exhibition date: Nov 1 – Dec 14
Step into a world where nostalgia meets the modern day in Frenchies & Friends, a solo exhibition by French-American street artist Sebastien “Mr.D 1987” Boileau, presented by PaperCity Magazine at the Alliance Française de Houston. As the host venue for this two-month art activation, the Alliance Française provides the backdrop for Mr.D’s reimagining of beloved cartoon and comic characters from both his childhood and modern times, placing them in unexpected, contemporary settings that invite deeper reflection.
In Frenchies & Friends, Mr.D uses familiar figures as catalysts for conversation, blending humor, irony, and social commentary to challenge perceptions and encourage out-of-the-box thinking. Each vibrant piece explores pop culture while making a bold statement on sustainability, incorporating upcycled materials and eco-friendly practices as part of the artist’s commitment to conscious creativity.
To complement the exhibition, Karla Modesto of Babe City Blooms will create a flower installation, adding an immersive floral experience that resonates with the playful yet thought-provoking nature of the show.
“Frenchies & Friends is a celebration of the characters and stories that shape my childhood, but with a twist,” Boileau says. “These iconic figures are more than just nostalgia — they’re a lens to question and reimagine the world we live in today.”
“We are excited to bring Mr.D’s unique vision to the Alliance Francaise and provide a platform where French and American cultures meet through art,” said Elodie Ricolfi, executive director of the Alliance Francaise de Houston. “This exhibition is a wonderful opportunity for the community to engage with art that’s both playful and thought-provoking.”
OPENING NIGHT PARTY:
Thursday, October 31, 2024
Time: 6-00pm – 10:00pm
Celebrate the exhibition’s launch on October 31st, with an opening night party with a Halloween twist, where guests are encouraged to dress as their favorite cartoon or comic characters. Expect a night of art, creativity, and playful mischief.
Free and open to the public.
Please note: Frenchies & Friends is intended for mature audiences due to its themes and content, which may include social commentary and humor that are more suitable for adults. While children are welcome, we recommend parental supervision to ensure the exhibition is appropriately enjoyed by all visitors.
EXHIBITION DATES:
On view from October 31 – December 14, 2024. More events and surprises will unfold throughout the two-month exhibition, with exciting programming to be announced soon.
SPECIAL EVENTS:
These exclusive events offer opportunities to dive deeper into the artist’s creative process and connect with MrD on a personal level.
Artist Talk & Q&A with Mr.D, moderated by Yvonamor Palix – November 16, 2024
Meet the Artist with Refreshments – Every Saturday, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m., during the exhibition (excluding 11/30 and 12/14)
Exhibition closing and Christmas Market – exclusive Frenchies & Friends merch December 14, 9:30 – 2:30 p.m.
EXHIBITION VIEWING HOURS:
The Frenchies & Friends exhibition will be open to the public from October 31 to December 14, 2024. Visitors are welcome to explore the gallery during regular Alliance Française de Houston hours. Additionally, “MrD 1987” will be in attendance every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. (excluding 11/30), offering a unique opportunity to meet the artist and discuss his work in person. Private showings are available upon request.
Alliance Francaise de Houston Hours of Operation
Mon-Tue-Wed 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Thur. 9:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Fri. 8:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sat. 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Sun. Closed
SPECIAL THANKS:
Presenting Sponsor: PaperCity Magazine
Supporting Sponsors Partners:
Altima Caviar
Art Houston Magazine
Artisans
Babe City Blooms
BCI
Casa Maestri Tequila
Eyeful Art Murals & Designs
Flamingos Vintage Houston
Jennifer Penchas – Compass Real Estate
Mademoiselle Louise
Red Bull
Sophie
The French Farm
Zulu Creative
ABOUT THE ARTIST SEBASTIEN “MRD 1987” BOILEAU:
Sebastien “MrD 1987” Boileau is a versatile artist born in Versailles, France, in 1973, who merges urban art with fine art. He began his artistic journey at 14 in Paris, influenced by the American Pop Art movement and early graffiti culture. After creating his first canvas in 1989 and transitioning to large-scale murals, he traveled extensively in the early ’90s, painting in countries like Sierra Leone, Tunisia, and Senegal. In 1995, he showcased his work in his first contemporary art show in Paris, and in 1998, he immigrated to the U.S., founding Eyeful Art Murals and Designs in Houston in 2000. With over 35 years of experience, Sebastien promotes urban art’s legitimacy as fine art through his unique style, “Canpressionism,” which blends street art techniques with Neo-Impressionist methods. Recently, he completed a mural commission at NASA Space Center Houston and a 15-story, 12,000-square-foot mural for Street Art for Mankind in Downtown Houston, collaborating with Romain Froquet from Paris, France. See MrD’s latest work and musings on Instagram: @mrd1987.