Pittsburgh artist Kyle Holbrook is spreading peace at the Paris Olympics

Photos courtesy of Kyle Holbrook.

Kyle Holbrook has dedicated his life to spreading messages of hope and unity through his art. In Pittsburgh, he has painted nearly 400 murals — more than any other artist in the history of Allegheny County. Around the country and the world, he has used art to call for global peace and an end to gun violence.

He was the first American artist to paint a mural on the West Bank’s Separation Wall during his visit to the Middle East in 2015.

Inspired by his experiences touring Palestinian and Israeli communities, particularly focusing on children with special needs and disabilities, Holbrook’s murals celebrate our shared humanity.

Holbrook, the founder of Moving Lives of Kids (MLK Mural Project), has now brought his message of peace to the Olympics, filling the streets of Paris with his artwork.

“During the Olympics, the world comes together in a celebration of diversity and athleticism,” Holbrook says.

“It’s the perfect moment to remind ourselves that despite our differences, we are all interconnected as human beings. Through these murals, I hope to amplify the message of peace and solidarity, urging everyone to envision a world free from violence.”

The artworks include a mural near the opening ceremony site and Notre Dame cathedral, which required a special Pass de Jeux to paint in this prestigious location.

Another mural, located at a famous graffiti spot on the back of Café Poinçonn, is a partnership with the graffiti artist Ben from the Paris-based DMJC crew.

Yet another, located just one block from the Arc de Triomphe, is a collaboration with fashion designers Gulya and Alex Codo. Holbrook also created a peace-themed bracelet with Gulya.

And Holbrook, who exclusively uses paint brushes, has been working alongside Parisian artist Morne, who specializes in spray paint, to create a 50-foot-long mural that blends their distinct styles (pictured here). This artwork, called the Peace Mural, was designed by Holbrook to creatively address themes of conflict, peace, and environmental conservation.

Want to learn more about this remarkable Pittsburgh artist? Check out this story about a collaborative mural Holbrook created in the Hill District.