Mantra

At the heart of the practice of French artist Youri Cansell, known as Mantra, lie nature, living species, and the ecosystems that surround them. The artist approaches the natural world not merely as a source of visual inspiration, but as a living system that demands careful observation and rediscovery. Through his realistic style and commanding use of scale, he elevates small and often overlooked creatures into the leading protagonists of urban space. Working in Istanbul as part of the Aliée Artist in Residency program, Mantra conceived a site-specific mural for the exterior façade of Mondaine de Pariso. Drawing inspiration from butterflies native to Türkiye or commonly sighted around Istanbul, the composition envisions the façade as a monumental entomological display case. These magnified butterflies bridge the meticulous detail of scientific observation with the striking scale of public art, offering viewers a fresh perspective on their relationship with nature within the city. Mantra’s work for Aliée is also an integral part of the dialogue the hotel cultivates between nature, craft, and biodiversity in its artistic vision. The façade is no longer just an architectural surface; it is an active space of encounter where selected species from Istanbul’s wildlife appear at an unexpected scale, encouraging us to pause, look closely, and appreciate the details.