Portuguese artist Restless has recently brought his characters to the streets of Paris. Known for his mixed-media portraits of everyday people, Restless pairs each image with a few lines of text concise, unpolished, and deeply human revealing fragments of their inner worlds.
These figures are left in public spaces, waiting to be stumbled upon and wondered about, not decorative interruptions, but quiet disruptions inviting the passerby into moments of recognition and curiosity. Their descriptions are part of the story, their placement part of the experience.
Here we take a closer look at Restless in Paris…
Restless in Paris. Image Copyright Restless
Jean Pierre (Le Mimo)
“Quiet is a poet, so Jean decided to go to the streets of Paris to act like a Mimmo even though there was no way he could.”
Jean Pierre channels the spirit of Paris’s silent performers, the Mime figures who have long animated the city’s streets, speaking volumes without a single word. Restless’s Jean Pierre is imagined, yet he feels real enough to pass unnoticed among the boulevard’s passersby. A poet by nature, he steps out of solitude and into public space, not to perfect the art of mime, but to inhabit it in his own imperfect way.
Restless in Paris. Image Copyright Restless
Lucy (Filme) Cientista
“Just finished college as biology of something, best case scenario will get a job in other country. On free time Lucy loves to do crazy experiences that always takes her to regret the choice of profession. One day it will be better.”
Lucy the scientist arrives in Paris much like her cinematic namesake from the 2014 film Lucy, whose path leads through the city in a rush of danger and discovery. Restless’s Lucy carries the same aura of potential but exists in a parallel reality fresh from studying “biology of something,” dreaming of work abroad, yet spending her free time on “crazy experiences” that often end in regret. Instead of appearing on the big screen, she now rides the city’s train lines, her portrait pasted to the carriage exterior. Like a thought in transit, she slips through stations and neighbourhoods, a travelling scientist whose story unfolds each time the train slows and someone stops to view.
Restless in Paris. Video Copyright Restless
Deep Down, We Are the Same 1/7 (Ongoing Series)
“The other one on the street it’s a on going process of seven pieces, the main concept is that deep down we are the same, you will get the full concept when I put all of them on the street… until then thats all I want to say…”
This unfolding work exists only in seven pieces that will eventually form a complete idea. For now, Restless offers only a hint: deep down, we are the same. Each new instalment builds intrigue and curiosity, check out Restless on instagram for all to be revealed soon!
Restless in Paris. Image Copyright Restless
Restless’s Paris characters bring a spark of surprise to the everyday, turning a walk to work or a wait for the train into a small moment of discovery. Whether it’s Jean Pierre’s awkward mime, Lucy’s wandering curiosity, or the intrigue of a series yet to be revealed, each piece reminds us that the city is alive with stories and sometimes, the best ones are waiting right there on the street.
Bring Restless’s Characters into Your Own Home
For those wishing to bring the magic of Restless’s world into their own space, a curated selection of characters are available, each carrying its own charm, wit, and humanity.
Featuring Influencer Sarah by Restless. Purchase artwork here.
Explore the Restless collection in our gallery, Chichester or browse via our store here.
