R2 based their design on the phrase "Errer est humain, flâner est parisien" ("To err is human, to stroll is Parisian”) by Victor Hugo, and created the poster around Baudelaire’s concept of the "Flâneur" and the “Theory of the Dérive”, by French theorist Guy Debord.
Within the Fête du Graphisme (The Graphic Arts Festival), curated by Michel Bouvet, Pauline Jankowiak, Yann Legendre and Azadeh Yousefi, 40 internationally renowned designers were asked to design a poster to be included in the Célébrer Paris exhibition, held on the Champs Elysées between January 22 and February 5. Other guest artists included Seymour Chwast, Ahn Sang-Soo, Anthon Beeke, Isidro Ferrer, Luba Lukova, M/M (Paris), and Catherine Zask.
Molly Bloom (2002), Boca (2004) and I Love Távora (2005) – three of the most iconic posters designed by R2 – were also chosen to be displayed within the event Paris Invite le Monde, also held within the Fête du Graphisme programme, from January 30 to February 2, at Les Docks – City of Fashion and Design.
The exhibition involved the participation of 104 designers and graphic studios, including Max Kisma, Peter Saville, Majid Abbasi, Paula Scher, Vaughan Oliver, Paul Davis, Sister Corita and Milton Glaser, among others.
Fête du Graphisme
Info
R2 is the signature of the designers and artists Lizá Défossez Ramalho (Troyes, France) and Artur Rebelo (Porto, Portugal). R2’s practice extends beyond conventional boundaries, navigating both typical graphic design’s two-dimensional mediums and architectural landscapes. R2 has earned global acclaim for its groundbreaking projects that contributed to redefine the boundaries of the design field. Driven by an unwavering commitment to excellence, they passionately devote themselves to crafting high-quality, both conceptually and visually, designed projects. R2 Design studio was co-founded in 1995 by Defossez Ramalho & Rebelo and works with cultural institutions and commercial clients in fields ranging from culture and lifestyle to industry. R2’s multidisciplinary approach allows them to respond effectively to a wide range of projects from Dam Signage in the Douro River (with Souto de Moura-Architects) to extensive branding that includes typography on building ceilings (Casa & typography do Conto), to a complex museum graphic identity with more than 14 locations (Museu do Porto). Recent projects includes branding project for Évora 2027, European Culture Capital in 2027 as well as for Vhils Studio.
Art Practice
Drawings
Visual Essays
Photography
Film
Sculpture
Spacial
Design Office
Art Direction
Graphic Design
Identity
Exhibition
Wayfinding