A factory open to the outside world…
True to its long-standing tradition of opening up its facilities to urban art, Socomec has unveiled a new large-scale artwork on its Benfeld manufacturing site. The renowned muralist Astro accepted this challenge to mark the centenary of the family-owned (Alsatian) company in 2022.
Over 30 metres long and 4 metres high, the trompe l'oeil mural covers one of Socomec's historic production units - the moulding workshop for the polyester casings used in the various switchgear manufactured by the company over the last 100 years.
In his signature style, the street artist has created an impressive optical illusion by transforming the plain surface of the building's exterior to give it an unusual transparency and depth. The result is a very powerful, almost hypnotic, immersive graphic style for the outside viewer. For the artist, the geometric patterns in perspective symbolise the attention to detail and precision with which the company has maintained its high-quality production over the years. The range of colours also reflects the company's corporate identity. The work is called "Graphic Opening".
Discover Astro's work in video
“Astro perfectly captures our values and ambitions as we celebrate our 100th anniversary: openness, expertise and forward thinking. These are the words that come almost instantly to mind when you look at this compelling work. Once again, street art allows us to tell the story of a unique, dynamic and innovative company in step with the times via a universal and contemporary language.”
Astro's biography
Astro created his first graffiti art in 2000 in the northern suburbs of Paris. Initially focusing on lettering and Wildstyle, this self-taught and enthusiastic artist makes use of his knowledge and technique to create abstract art that combines dynamic lines, calligraphy and shapes. Astro has created his own visual universe by exploiting the subtlety of shading and light, the intensity of colours and the perspective of depth.
He is at ease with large formats, working on walls on which he creates his art in the heart of the city, but this muralist also likes to work in his studio. With his spontaneous and instinctive style, Astro tricks the viewer's eye by transforming the even surface of walls and paintings, creating impressive optical illusions.
His energy and originality make Astro one of the major street artists working today, as shown by his participation in many international festivals in the USA, London, Italy, Germany, Portugal, etc.
A well-rooted tradition
2016
- Covering of the external wall of our logistics building by Kazy on the theme of energy for a clean world.
2017
- Street art workshop for 4th year students of ENSAS (National School of Architecture of Strasbourg) on a wall of the company's Relais des énergies sports and leisure centre as well as a 60-metre mural by Pisco on the occasion of our “95 Years of Shared Energy”.
2018
- Beginning of our sponsorship of the Colors de Strasbourg festival, dedicated to urban arts: each year electrical pillars enhance the streets of the Euro-metropolis.
- Covering of the wall of our Huttenheim factory by street artist Stom500 as part of the annual Green Week.