Belgrade has recently become the canvas for the world-renowned French street artist Ememem, whose stunning mosaic creations have left their mark across several major cities. Known for transforming cracked sidewalks and façades into vibrant geometric mosaics, Ememem’s work adds a splash of color and poetic symbolism to urban landscapes. Anonymously operating out of Lyon, France, the artist refers to this unique process as “flacking,” derived from the French word flaque, meaning “puddle” or “pool.”
Flacking: Art That Repairs and Beautifies
Ememem’s street art is as much about repair as it is about beauty. With cracked sidewalks and damaged urban surfaces as their canvas, the artist uses colorful ceramic tiles to create intricate geometric patterns. These works transform what would otherwise be seen as urban decay into unexpected art pieces. This act of mending cracks in the city has earned Ememem the nickname “the surgeon of sidewalks” or “pavement surgeon” in their hometown of Lyon. Ememem has been creating these mosaics since 2011, and their artistic intervention is not just limited to France. Their work can be found in cities across Europe and beyond, including Barcelona, Madrid, Turin, Oslo, and Melbourne.
Ememem’s Art Reaches Belgrade
The streets of Belgrade have also recently been graced with Ememem’s mosaic art. With Belgrade’s historic façades and textured streets providing the perfect backdrop, the artist’s work has resonated with both locals and visitors. Ememem’s art is known for blending seamlessly with the urban environment while adding a layer of meaning that encourages people to slow down, take notice, and appreciate the beauty in everyday spaces. The geometric designs, meticulously fitted into cracks and gaps, create a striking contrast against the rugged streets of the Serbian capital.
The Philosophy Behind Ememem’s Art
Ememem describes their art as “a poem that everybody can read” and views each mosaic as a “memory notebook of the city.” By embedding colorful ceramic pieces into cracked urban surfaces, the artist gives new life to spaces often overlooked or forgotten. Their work serves as both a metaphor for healing and a reminder of the resilience of cities.
A Global Movement
Beyond Belgrade, Ememem’s flacking has gained global attention, with their work featured in various public spaces, exhibitions, and even private collections. In 2021, the artist was commissioned by the Société du Grand Paris to create mosaics at the site of a new Grand Paris Express metro station. Despite the rising fame and demand for their work, Ememem has remained fiercely anonymous, refusing to reveal their identity or appear in interviews.
The Mystery and Legacy of Ememem
Ememem’s ability to remain anonymous while producing widely celebrated art adds to the allure of their work. Operating mainly at night, the artist’s creations are often discovered by passersby at dawn, providing a moment of surprise and delight. This element of mystery enhances the connection between the artist and the city, making each mosaic a gift left for the community to enjoy.
With over 230.000 followers on Instagram (@ememem.flacking), Ememem’s work has built a dedicated global following. As Belgrade continues to evolve as a hub for street art, the addition of Ememem’s mosaic art is a testament to the city’s growing status in the international art scene.
Whether in Belgrade, Lyon, or other cities worldwide, Ememem’s mosaics continue to repair, beautify, and inspire, one crack at a time.
Writer. Blogger. Traveler. Researcher. Electronic Music Lover.
