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Teuthis' Performance
Since 2013 in Le Havre, marine creatures have been emerging from murky waters to gradually colonize the urban landscape… Beyond the element of surprise and the questions these strange animals may raise among passersby, the aim is to breathe new life into naturalist drawing (which is rarely featured in museums because it is undervalued) and to explore the ambiguity between science and art. By displaying crustaceans, mollusks, and fish—often uncommon species—we give them a chance to reveal their aesthetic appeal to the general public. The choice of walls is not arbitrary: the color, texture, size, exposure, and location add a new dimension to each illustration.
Dates and times
Thursday, October 8, 5:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Address
Marseille Wharf, Eure Basin
After studying oceanography—which led him to specialize in the study of marine biodiversity—TEUTHIS (meaning “squid” in ancient Greek), an illustrator and poster artist from Le Havre, has been blending scientific inquiry with his artistic practice since 2013.
Drawing on rigorous research, he creates his ink illustrations in strict accordance with the standards of naturalistic drawing. This is followed by a graphic treatment in which the addition of lines unifies the composition, infusing it with dynamism and depth. The use of mineral color palettes allows his works to blend seamlessly into the urban landscape.
Teuthis
Teuthis is a contemporary French artist from Le Havre, known for his graphic style inspired by the marine world. Trained in marine biology and specializing in the study of the fauna of the Normandy-Brittany Gulf, he has created a unique body of work at the intersection of art, science, and environmental awareness. Since 2013, he has been developing an artistic approach that combines the precision of naturalistic drawing, contemporary graphic design, and interventions in urban spaces.
His artist name, “Teuthis,” means “squid” in ancient Greek. This pseudonym reflects the importance of the underwater world in his work. Drawing on meticulous scientific research, he creates illustrations of great anatomical precision, inspired by the conventions of naturalist drawing. These depictions are then enriched by a network of graphic lines that lend movement, depth, and dynamism to his compositions.
Based in Le Havre, Teuthis first made a name for himself with his monumental collages depicting fish, turtles, seahorses, jellyfish, and cephalopods, which can be seen in many locations throughout the city. His street art quickly gained a wide following, making him one of the iconic figures of Le Havre’s contemporary art scene.
His influences blend the great naturalist illustrators such as Charles-Alexandre Lesueur and Ernst Haeckel, cabinets of curiosities, Jean Painlevé’s scientific photography, and urban artists such as Roa and Blu. This diversity of references fuels a body of work in which scientific precision engages with visual poetry and the imagination.
Over the years, Teuthis has exhibited at several institutions and galleries, including the MuMa, the Palais d’Iéna, the National Museum of Natural History (Paris), the Galerie Hamon (Le Havre), and the Very Yes Gallery (Reunion Island). His work has also been featured in public institutions, educational projects, and exhibitions dedicated to Le Havre’s heritage. While remaining true to his aquatic world, he now explores other themes, notably architecture (Auguste Perret) and the identity of Le Havre.
With his unconventional background—from oceanographer to artist—Teuthis embodies a unique approach in which art serves as a means of fostering dialogue between scientific knowledge, local heritage, and environmental awareness. His works, which are both precise and dreamlike, invite viewers to rediscover the richness of marine life and to take a fresh look at the world around them.
