Ratur, also known as Arthur Maslard, is a French artist born in Le Havre. His mesmerizing figurative murals seamlessly blend hyperrealism, surrealism, and classical styles. The heart of his work lies in merging human figures with nature, creating vibrant and otherworldly compositions. Growing up, Ratur felt an intimate connection to the natural world, which now serves as the driving force behind his art. His murals, often realized with the assistance of his brother Oscar (Sckaro), depict dynamic bodies and faces that exude hyperrealism.
What sets Ratur apart is his unique use of colors and brush strokes, amplifying the realism of his subjects. Whether on canvas or walls, his attention to detail is evident, from intricate drapery work to lifelike flesh tones. Inspired by Hungarian painter Istvan Sandorfi, Ratur masterfully juxtaposes classical themes with abstract shapes, inviting viewers to contemplate nature’s beauty and its fragile state.
As if crafted from porcelain or glass, Ratur’s monumental subjects fragment into sharply contrasted leaves and petals. Drawing on his background in graphic design and a profound connection to nature, Ratur infuses his murals with fantastical botanical explosions. His hyperrealistic faces, serene yet enigmatic, coexist with abstract fields of color. Notable works include “Renaissance” at the Rouen Impressionnée Festival, where human features dissolve into vibrant foliage, and “Innate Connection” in Vancouver, B.C., where nature and humanity intertwine. Ratur’s art challenges us to see beyond the ordinary, celebrating both the beauty and vulnerability of our natural world.
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