In 2012, artist Leo Caillard introduced the world to Hipsters in Stone, a unique project that saw him outfitting the marbled Greek statues on display at the Louvre in the latest fashion trends. Having attracted worldwide attention and leading to his inclusion in a range of international art fairs, the artist has now followed up the project with a second installation in the series, due to go on display at different locations.

Hipsters in Stone II sees classical Greek sculptures getting a trendy new style.
Hipsters in Stone II sees classical Greek sculptures getting a trendy new style.

Hipsters in Stone II sees Caillard once again dressing sculptures in modern clothing, outfitting them in pieces such as crop tops and shades, tight printed t-shirts, knitted cardigans, round rimmed reading glasses, summer dresses and button down shirts. The next show in the series is due to take place in London in March 2018, followed by a November show in Paris.

Hipsters in Stone II
It is the second instalment in the series, which debuted in 2012.

“I have always been interested in the relationship between the past and the present. As an artist, it’s important to question our modern attitude in relation with the past version of our society. The Greek statues represent the iconic vision of the human being, but only 2000 years separate them from our modern world. Bodies didn’t change but social representation did. Especially through the clothing and the way we portray ourselves. Dressing the statues up was a good was to demonstrate how our social conditions change the perception that we have on something. Suddenly, a statue becomes somebody from today, not an icon from the past,” Leo told Lonely Planet Travel News.

A Greek statue wearing a knitted green jumper and modern jeans
The series aims to question who the Greek models really were in a whimsical, farcical way.

Another recent project of Leo’s called Heroes of Stone saw him designing busts of superheroes such as Batman, Superman, Captain America, Ironman and Spider-man and creating a photo series in which they are placed beside classical works of art, creating a striking contrast between modern day pop culture and established art figures.

Heroes of Stone sees Leo creating images of superheroes placed in a museum setting.
Heroes of Stone sees Leo creating images of superheroes placed in a museum setting.

“For Hipsters in Stone II, the statues with their clothes stripped away reveal a magnificence of shape and balance, but what were the Greeks wearing when they weren’t posing for sculptures? One’s dress sense indicates one’s priorities, choices, lifestyle. Are you 'in' or are you 'out'? 'Hipster or Classic?', Leo said.

More information on Leo Caillard’s work, including future exhibition dates for Hipsters in Stone II is available at his website.

Explore related stories

Aix en Provence, France - July 4, 2019: Customers viewing the morning pastries at the local boulangerie or bakery.; Shutterstock ID 1462315073; GL: 65050; netsuite: onlien editorial; full: paris on a budget; name: Fionnuala McCarthy
1462315073

Art

Paris on a budget: affordable ways to experience the city

Mar 7, 2024 • 10 min read