Mural artist Jotapé, in residence in Lorient, (re)weaves connections through art

Supported by several local partners, this project “aims to strengthen the links between the university and its surrounding region through art, culture and education”. An exhibition featuring around fifteen of his recent works is currently on display at Galerie Jumble in Lorient (Morbihan) until 14 November 2026.

“This artistic adventure began in late September at Université Bretagne Sud in Lorient, which welcomed mural artist Jotapé for an artist residency,” explains Cécile Le Cabellec, Communications Officer at UBS. “The aim of this residency, entitled Muralism in Action, was to offer students, university staff and local residents the opportunity to share a collective artistic experience that is accessible to everyone.”

The project took shape through participatory workshops, conferences, exhibitions and mural projects. It first brought students from Saint-Louis secondary school in Lorient and 80 students from a sixth-form college in Questembert to the UBS campus, where they had the opportunity to discover the university and meet the Chilean artist. The programme then continued at the Agora Grands Larges residence, before moving to Galerie Jumble for a month-long exhibition of the artist’s recent works.

Chilean urban art

“Through the different facets of his work, he champions a collective vision of art, rooted in sharing, solidarity and the building of a sustainable future,” says Pascal from Galerie Jumble.

Juan Pablo Gatica, also known as Jotapé, explains what led him to become part of the Chilean urban art movement:

“This great tradition of muralism carried out by collectives, which dates back to the early 20th century, has a strong political and educational propaganda dimension. This movement, referred to by some as neo-muralism, has given rise to a generation of artists creating large-scale social murals, reclaiming marginal spaces while also becoming part of established institutions. And I am part of that history!”

From Chile to Brittany

For several years now, Jotapé has been building deep artistic and cultural connections between Chile and Brittany. His numerous murals across the region bear witness to this, including works in Lorient (Lycée Dupuy-de-Lôme and UBS), Questembert (the secondary school) and Rennes, among other places.

An exhibition featuring around fifteen of his recent works is now on display at Galerie Jumble, “reflecting several different aspects of his work”, as gallery owners Virginie and Pascal point out.

On view until 14 November at Galerie Jumble, 25 rue des Fontaines, Lorient. By appointment: +33 6 68 83 25 38 or galeriejumble@gmail.com.