Toulouse: the former Maison de la peinture is preparing to host the 9th edition of Mister Freeze
While the new one has been in place since mid-January, the old Maison de la Peinture should soon be demolished with the arrival of the third metro line. But before his final disappearance, Mister Freeze will take over the premises for a festival of colors through memorable graffiti.
The 9th edition of Mister Freeze, which will be held from April 1 to May 8, in Toulouse, is the result of a meeting between two Cédrics. First of all Cédric Denjean, the co-manager of the Maison de la peinture; then Cédric Lascours, alias Reso of his name of graffiti artist, organizer of Mister Freeze. The first, a fan of street art, had the idea of offering the walls of the former Maison de la peinture – the current one having moved to 3 rue Ferdinand Lassalle – to graffiti artists, before the final demolition of the building, following the arrival of the third metro line. Moved by a common desire, the second said yes. “It happened naturally. In addition, this district is an important place in the history of Toulouse graffiti. There are large warehouses there, which have been our playground for almost 10 years. Therefore, we already have a certain proximity to this paint store,” says Reso.
On the 3500 m2 offered by the former Maison de la Peinture, at 105 boulevard de Suisse, Mister Freeze is going to offer, for more than a month, a major exhibition of graffiti. The first are already there on the exterior facades. We see in particular a magnificent gorilla on a scooter, signed by Lyonnais Kalouf, as well as a graffiti by Reso himself and others.
For the Maison de la Peinture team, this festival is an opportunity to give a final boost to life, but also a last tribute to this building that they cherish, after having occupied it for 36 years. “It’s kind of our swan song and for that we wanted something colorful,” confirms Cédric Denjean.
The organizer of Mister Freeze does not yet wish to reveal the names of the artists participating in this 9th edition. “There will be recognized and emerging talents. We will be able to see the fruit of collaborations and artist residencies,” promises Réso. Monumental works will come alongside canvases, as well as a shop, a bar, shows, circus, basketball, skateboarding,…
For now, everyone is busy, drill, brushes and bombs in hand. That promises!