Photo : @ Margaux SOUILLAT INAUDI
Mural 'Protecting Civilians from Bombardment'
A new monumental mural by Brusk in support of Handicap International. A strong call to end the bombing of civilians.
PSA (Paris 20th)
About
Since October 27, a spectacular work by street artist Brusk has been catching the eye in the 20th arrondissement of Paris, at 212 rue de Belleville. Created to support the work of Handicap International, this mural recalls the urgent need to protect civilian populations targeted in armed conflicts.
The painting depicts a Handicap International humanitarian worker symbolically trying to stop bombs in mid-air, preventing them from falling on those passing at the foot of the building. This powerful image illustrates the organization's mission: to limit the devastating impact of bombing on civilians.
Conceived between October 20 and 27, 2025, the work now adorns two walls of the Permanence Sociale d'Accueil (PSA) and the Centre d'Action Sociale Protestant (CASP) in the 20th arrondissement of Paris. Its relief composition creates a striking sense of volume, designed to engage passersby and encourage them to mobilize.
A reminder of the protection of civilians in conflicts
This mural denounces repeated attacks on populations and essential infrastructure, particularly health facilities, a battle Handicap International has been fighting since 2014. In a global context marked by increasingly violent clashes and the non-respect of International Humanitarian Law, civilians remain the most exposed. The use of explosive weapons in populated areas continues to cause thousands of victims every year.
The project was only made possible with the support of the 20th arrondissement town hall, the City of Paris, and Brusk, who is collaborating voluntarily with Handicap International for the second time, following a first mural created in Lyon in 2021. His artistic commitment echoes the values and battles upheld by the association.
Brusk: an engaged artist
Born in Lyon in 1976, Cédric Kozluk (known as Brusk) became passionate about drawing from a young age. He discovered graffiti in 1991, a world that durably influenced his work. Over the years, he has become a multidisciplinary artist: graffiti artist, painter, muralist, draftsman, and sculptor. His work is characterized by an impactful aesthetic, mixing dynamism and a sense of narrative, often centered on the ills of the contemporary world. Visit his website
The bombing of civilians: a global reality
According to the 2024 report by the Explosive Weapons Monitor, civilians were affected in 74 countries due to bombing and shelling. Human loss and the destruction of essential infrastructure continue to rise in a context where geopolitical tensions are multiplying. Ukraine, Gaza, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen are tragic examples.
Handicap International's action for affected populations
Handicap International intervenes in many areas to support civilians affected by bombing:
- International advocacy: follow-up to the 2022 Dublin Political Declaration, participation in dialogues on the protection of civilians, collection of testimonies, and diplomatic pressure.
- Risk prevention: in conflict zones, information and awareness sessions for populations on the dangers of explosive devices, particularly for children.
- Support for the wounded: care, rehabilitation, prosthetics, and physiotherapy.
- Humanitarian aid: distribution of hygiene kits, shelter, food, and specialized equipment (wheelchairs, crutches, etc.).
- Psychological support: support for traumatized individuals and recreational activities to reduce children's stress.
- Emergency logistics: storage and transport of humanitarian equipment.
- Demining and clearance of affected areas to allow inhabitants to return to a safe environment.
You can support the battles of Handicap International by visiting its website: https://www.handicap-international.fr
Our take on this event
Deep in the heart of the 20th arrondissement, a powerful new mural stops every passerby in their tracks. It is a stunning, high-relief masterpiece that turns the urban landscape into a raw, thought-provoking dialogue about our world today.
Located at 212 rue de Belleville in the 20th arrondissement, a striking mural by artist Brusk highlights the urgent need to protect civilians from aerial bombings. Created for Handicap International, this massive relief artwork adorns the walls of the PSA social services building. It serves as a powerful visual reminder of the human cost of conflict and the ongoing advocacy for international humanitarian law. Open to all at no cost, the site is fully wheelchair accessible and designed to be inclusive, offering accommodations for the deaf, hard of hearing, and individuals with cognitive disabilities until 27:00 on October 27, 2026.
This mural at 212 rue de Belleville, installed on the PSA and CASP building, stands as a bold statement by street artist Brusk regarding the dangers faced by civilians in war zones. Running from October 27, 2025, through October 27, 2026, the piece features a humanitarian worker attempting to deflect bombs, symbolizing the core mission of Handicap International. The project, supported by the 20th arrondissement town hall and the City of Paris, emphasizes the devastating impact of explosive weapons on global communities.
The artwork uses relief techniques to create a sense of volume that engages passersby. To ensure the message is widely accessible, the site has been equipped to welcome visitors in wheelchairs and is adapted for those who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have cognitive disabilities. Visitors can view this impactful piece of street art for free throughout its year-long residency in the district.
