Viault Art
I had the immense privilege of completing an artist residency at the Dunedin School of Art, a rewarding experience that allowed me to create a mural entitled “Whakawhitinga.” This project would not have been possible without the support of the school and the generous contribution of Resene, who provided the paints.
“Whakawhitinga,” which means transmission in Maori, symbolises the transfer of knowledge, traditions and values across generations and species. Located at the Dunedin School of Art, this mural explores the fragility of biodiversity by highlighting iconic species from New Zealand and Polynesia. The skeleton of the extinct Moa, combined with its shadow representing the bird as it once was, embodies collective memory and the link between the past and the present. On the Moa’s back is the critically endangered Hoiho penguin, highlighting the urgency of protecting biodiversity.
The mural also incorporates natural elements such as the Koru, a spiral symbol of growth and new beginnings, as well as flora from New Zealand and Polynesia. The Maori wave patterns represent the connection between land and sea, while the Polynesian sky patterns highlight the connection between humanity and nature. “Whakawhitinga” is a call to preserve the delicate balance of nature and protect our environmental heritage.
Teahupo’o Marina - Olympic Games - French Polynesia - 2024
The mural at Teahupo’o Marina pays tribute to Polynesian culture by exploring the deep and symbolic connection between the sea and the land. Created with the support of the Department of Equipment and the municipality of Teahupo’o.
The first section depicts the legendary wave of Teahupo’o, surfed by Vahine Fierro, a prominent figure of Tahiti. Beside her, a traditional surfboard, the alaia, symbolizes the heritage of surfing in Polynesia, linking the past and present.
The second panel revives the legend of the Polynesian Triangle, featuring the octopus, or fe’e, whose island-shaped head and tentacles connect the islands, particularly the sacred site of Taputapuātea, emphasizing Polynesian cultural unity.
Finally, the last panels portray the bonitier, a traditional boat essential to local fishing, which the Tavana wished to preserve from being forgotten through this artwork, as well as the logo of the Taiparu Ouest municipality.
This mural celebrates Polynesian history and culture, honoring the enduring connections between the sea, the land, and ancient traditions in their modern context.
Burning Man - Black Rock City - USA - 2024
Creation of a mural during the Burning Man 2024 event in Black Rock City, titled: Burnassic Park 🦖
I was more than delighted to have the opportunity to create a work in such a unique place. Working among so many creative and inspiring souls truly nourished and inspired me in my work.
The artwork: I had the pleasure of bringing Burnassic Park to life, featuring a burner T-Rex on its bike, accompanied by a Pterodactyl in the form of the ‘Man.’
As you scroll through the photos, you’ll discover the creative process.
A huge thank you to the Burning Man organizers for this unique opportunity, as well as to all of you for your support and compliments.
Papenoo GS Mamu Urarii Manu School - French Polynesia - 2024
The mural created at Papenoo is a celebration of the nature and unique landscape of the bay of Papenoo. It highlights the motu Anapa, surrounded by the waves that characterize this bay.
At the heart of the composition is a poetic representation of the ura, the red endemic bird of Polynesia. The ura is not merely a visual symbol here but also a metaphor for the connection between nature and Polynesian culture.
Its flowered wings, scattering petals, illustrate the role of wildlife in the rebirth of life. This gesture evokes the fragile symbiosis between natural elements, reminding us of the importance of preserving this ecological balance.
Hitia’a College - French Polynesia - 2023
As part of my artistic project in Hitia’a, I had the opportunity to collaborate with the middle school students and Raimiti to create a mural.
Together, we worked on a piece that explores the richness of the cultural heritage specific to Hitia’a, particularly the legend of Queen Teura and the valley of Fara’ura. Throughout the workshops, I guided the students through the various stages of creating the mural, integrating their ideas and teaching them artistic techniques.
The legend of Queen Teura tells that she ruled over the valley of Fara’ura, where the coastal inhabitants would come to gather fe’i (banana). To gain the queen’s permission, they had to bring seawater as proof of their maritime origin. If someone failed to respect this condition, the queen would become angry and punish them severely. This story, tied to nature and traditions, served as an inspiration for our mural.
Tunnel Henri IV - Paris - France - 2023
"On the occasion of Paris Plages and with the approach of the Olympics, the Henri IV tunnel is transformed into a new address for Street Art. Artists Babs and Sarah Viault dress it with a monumental mural on Polynesia and climate urgency.
The Henri IV tunnel (Paris, 4th arrondissement). From July 17th to August 11th, Sarah Viault and Babs worked every night (from 10:30 pm to 7:45 am) to create a giant mural of 1,700 m² and dress the walls of the 240-meter-long tunnel. The artists were chosen by the association Urban Art Crew to highlight French Polynesia and echo the surfing events of the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games which will take place in Teahupo’o (Tahiti). The unprecedented project is supported by the city of Paris and the Directorate of Cultural Affairs as part of Paris Plages."
Refer to Connaissance des Arts for more information: (In Paris, a giant Street Art work transforms a tunnel in the heart of the capital (connaissancedesarts.com))
Ono'u - Moorea - French Polynesia - 2022
Spectacular mural created for Pacific Beachcomber by ONO'U, in collaboration with artists Ravage and Viault.
Ono'u- Vaitavatava - Papeete -French Polynesia - 2022
The construction of the mural at the Vaitavatava residence, near the bus station in Papeete, has begun since Friday. 700m² are to be adorned thanks to the talent of 5 local professional artists.
This project offers a strong participatory dimension for residents, as in addition to their involvement in the residence's rehabilitation project, two young aspiring artists from Vaitavatava are participating in the creation and realization of the visuals.
This OPH project, in collaboration with Ono’u, is set to be completed by November 28, 2022.
Refer to Polynésie 1er for more information: (Ono'u brings colors to the life of Vaitavatava residents in Papeete - Polynésie la 1ère (francetvinfo.fr))
Ono'u - Makatea - Tuamotu - French Polynesia - 2022
Ono'u - " Te ao ninamu " - OPH Luine - Papeete - French Polynesia - 2022
The Polynesian Housing Office (OPH) and the international street art festival ONO’U are renewing their partnership again this year, introducing urban art within OPH residences.
It will depict a marine universe around a Polynesian legend, addressing a dual theme: cultural and environmental.
Unlike other works done on facades, this one will cover the entire 2000 m² of common areas, both interior and exterior, creating continuity and inviting a sort of imaginary journey.
Its creation will be the result of collaboration between 2 international artists (Insane 51 and Guido Van Helten) and 6 local artists (Sarah Viault, Ravage, Rival, Pierre Motahi, Richard Barri, Tearii Flohr), as well as 4 "budding artists" who are residents of the "Luine" residence.
A pedagogical dimension, beyond the artistic and environmental, adds to the interest of this project - hence the original and innovative aspect of this approach.
The start of the work also marks the start of the 2022 edition of the ONO’U festival, whose theme is "special oceans." Its inauguration is scheduled for Friday, May 20.
Since 2019, OPH and ONO’U have been working together to beautify social housing, promote social cohesion, and improve the quality of life for their tenants. To date, eleven buildings, including an annex of the OPH headquarters, have already been touched by the artists.
The realization of this project has been made possible thanks to the daily close work done by the Office's agents, as well as the involvement and commitment of the residents of the residence.
Refer to the OPH article for more information: (A new ONO’U mural in Papeete, in the OPH residence "Luine" | OPH)
Ono'u - Pirae - French Polynesia - 2021
A mural by Rival, Sarah Viault, Richard Barri and Tearii Flohr at the Young Workers' Home in Pirae.
Ono'u - "Te mana o te natura"- Parc Paofai - Papeete -French Polynesia - 2021
Ono'u Festival: three giant hearts to brighten up Papeete
It's the big news of the Ono'u festival: three heart sculptures have found their place in Parc Paofai and at the Maison de la Culture. They are being customized over the weekend by three local artists with very different techniques. An artistic project that warms the heart as the holiday season approaches...
Three locations, three themes, and three artists: the Ono'u festival continues with the installation and customization of "giant hearts." Two of them have been placed in the gardens of Paofai. One pays tribute to nature, magnified by the brush of Sarah Viault. The other is customized by the multidisciplinary artist Richard Barri. Sculptures with carefully considered shapes: "it's a symbol that unites, that speaks directly to people's souls I hope, on themes that are important to promote in the fenua: on the preservation of our biodiversity, our ocean, our nature," explains Sarah.
Refer to TNTV for more information: (Ono'u Festival: three giant hearts to brighten up Papeete • TNTV Tahiti Nui Television)
Ono'u - Vaitavere - French Polynesia - 2021
It's the grand return of the Ono'u festival after two years of absence. The seventh edition is "100% local," bringing together several artists from Polynesia, such as Ravage, Tvaite, Rival, Richard Barri, Sarah Viault, and Pierre Motahi. The festival began on November 19th with the creation of a giant 600-square-meter mural on the gunite walls of Vaitavere. This is the first part of the event. Work is progressing rather well, notes Sarah Roopinia, the event organizer: "We've been moving very quickly because we have great weather, no technical issues. As a result, on the upper part of Vaitavere, the artists might finish tomorrow with the Tahiti wings."
The youth from the neighborhoods of Punaauia are also participating in the creation of these murals. "It's a very special operation we're doing with the city of Punaauia, it also allows young people to practice," explains Sarah Roopinia. "They work alongside the artists to create a collaborative mural."
Refer to Polynésie 1er for more information: (Ono'u Festival - Graffiti in full swing - Polynésie la 1ère (francetvinfo.fr))
Ono'u - " Iaorana e Maeva " TUNNEL - Papeete - French Polynesia - 2021
The local artists from the Ono'u group and the Italian artist Milo have completed the mural "Iaorana e Maeva," which now adorns the Papeete tunnel, depicting the evolution of the city on the theme of "Papeete from yesterday to today."
Refer to Tahiti Infos for more information: (A mural "Iaorana e Maeva" for the Papeete tunnel (tahiti-infos.com))
Ono'u " Hiva Oa - Marquises - French Polynesia - 2021
Hiva Oa: A mural dedicated to the preservation of Marquesan heritage
"Te Aoatakua O Hiva" is the name of the first large-scale mural in the Marquesas Islands, created at the initiative of the municipality of Hiva Oa in partnership with the Ono'u festival, to illustrate the entire biodiversity of the archipelago.
The mural was painted on the 15-meter-long wall adjacent to the Atuona sports hall.
The mural was inaugurated during the visit of the President of the Republic on July 25th. It was created by three local artists: Richard Barri, Heiarii Metua (Rival), and Sarah Viault.
"It's a first for the Marquesas, a first for Ono'u, a first for the artists, but above all, an unforgettable cultural and human experience. The setting was magical, and there was something enchanting and extremely powerful in the entire ceremony surrounding the official inauguration of the mural, in the Marquesan dances and songs that resonated throughout the evening. An exceptional and indescribable energy that one only feels in Fenua Enata," recounts Sarah Roopinia, creator of the Ono'u festival.
The artwork depicts at its center a Haka Manu dancer performing the emblematic Marquesan bird dance. She is surrounded by representations of 8 endangered bird species from the Marquesas Islands and Europe, including from left to right in the mural: the Marquesan Monarch, the Pati'oti'o, the Ua Pou Thrush, the Hiva Oa Starling, the Tahuata Starling echoing the European kingfisher facing it, as well as the Nuku Hiva Fruit Dove and the Fatu Hiva Imperial Pigeon.
For more information, you can refer to the TNTV article: (Hiva Oa: a mural dedicated to the preservation of Marquesan heritage • TNTV Tahiti Nui Television)
