“Carrot Number One”, is a reproduction of an original work on canvas mounted on a frame, black edges, 60x60x2cm
Signed and numbered work of only 30 copies with an original carrot on each number. You won't be able to say that you are being carroted!
Certificate of authenticity hand signed by the artist.
Carefully packaged. Shipped with insurance and tracking number.
Chassis provided.
Black frame not supplied.
Lyon: a graffiti carrot becomes a symbol of local street art
When we think of Lyon, we often think of Paul Bocuse, the traboules or the famous Festival of Lights. But for some, another less conventional symbol has imposed itself: a carrot. Appearing for the first time in 2009, this singular figure is the mysterious work of a street artist known as “Mr Carotte”. This wacky character has managed to make a place for himself in the urban landscape of Lyon, to the point of becoming a real mascot for residents and visitors.
The first appearance of this carrot in graffiti dates back to the end of the 2000s, along the A6 motorway, just before the Fourvière tunnel. Since then, it has been spotted many times in the city's neighborhoods, often in unexpected places: on the roofs of buildings, behind motorway signs, or even on the metal shutters of shops. This art of concealment adds to the charm of the work, which becomes a sort of treasure hunt for street art lovers.
Despite his growing popularity, Mr Carrot’s identity remains shrouded in mystery. No presence on social networks, no website: this artist prefers to let his works speak for themselves. His graffiti are recognizable among thousands thanks to their mascot: a carrot with a mischievous smile and big eyes, often painted in places that are difficult to access but visible to attentive passers-by. This anonymity contributes to his aura, while raising questions about the artist’s motivations and the hidden meaning of his plant-based signature.
Mr Carotte’s carrots are surprisingly durable: unlike other graffiti that are regularly covered by new works, they remain intact, a sign of the respect that the Lyon street artist community has for them. Some carrots even display several years of existence, testifying to the appreciation and sympathy that this anonymous artist arouses. His character can also be found in various local collaborations, proof of his popularity beyond his circle of fans.
But why a carrot? This choice is as intriguing as it is amusing. Like the emblematic characters of other graffiti artists such as PEC and his birds or Monsieur Chat and his cat, Mr Carotte’s carrot embodies a unique and immediately identifiable signature. Funny, expressive and full of personality, it embodies a symbol of humility and passion, inspiring everyone to persevere in their own creative projects, no matter how wacky they may be.
A true emblem of Lyon street art, this carrot continues to surprise and enchant passers-by, reminding us that even the most unexpected symbols can become iconic.