CitizHeart
“CitizHeart’s Radiant Lego Hearts, Crafted By Emmanuel Brunet,
Spread Love And Unity Across 35 Cities, Proving Art Transcends Divides.”
BY SUNA MOYA - 29 NOVEMBER 2024
“CitizHeart’s Radiant Lego Hearts, Crafted By Emmanuel Brunet, Spread Love And Unity Across 35 Cities, Proving Art Transcends Divides.”
Discovering CitizHeart was a serendipitous moment at a UNESCO exhibition for peace. I was immediately captivated by a photograph of Cyprus’s border wall - an imposing divide between Turkish and Greek communities. But there, on either side, two radiant, smiling hearts broke through the starkness. These simple, joyful symbols transcended the wall, radiating hope and connection.
It was then that I met the artist behind the image, Emmanuel Brunet, known as CitizHeart. He uses his "Lego Heart" - a small, smiling, bright-red emblem—to spread a profound message of love and unity. From Paris to Venice, his art has appeared in 35 cities worldwide, transforming public spaces with simplicity and emotional resonance. This small heart has become a beacon, reminding us that a single smile can inspire powerful change.
— Suna Moya
CitizHeart
“CitizHeart’s Radiant Lego Hearts, Crafted By Emmanuel Brunet, Spread Love And Unity Across 35 Cities, Proving Art Transcends Divides.”
Visionary Artist
Emmanuel Brunet is a French artist and the creative force behind CitizHeart, a global art project that spreads messages of love, unity, and positivity. He is best known for his signature Lego Heart, a bright-red, smiling heart that he incorporates into urban landscapes around the world.
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QCEG: You placed hearts on both sides of the wall in Cyprus. What was your message?
CitizHeart: I wanted to show that, without the wall, perhaps the two sides could come together. Walls, whether physical or metaphorical, separate us, but they don’t erase what we share. My goal is to inspire people to rethink those divisions and imagine the possibility of connection.
Their story of survival captivated me. The garden’s history, intertwined with the tradition of tintorial plants, compelled me to capture their essence. Working at night, I used LED lights and smoke to transform these plants into glowing symbols of resilience, suspended in a dreamlike, otherworldly realm.
QCEG: Do you think those barriers still exist in Cyprus?
CitizHeart: They do. While crossing points exist, they’re limited, only three along over 100 kilometres. It’s easier now, but the wall remains a powerful reminder of separation.
QCEG: Coming from Paris, the city of love and art, what struck you about Cyprus’ wall?
CitizHeart: It was surreal, almost outdated. Seeing a physical wall dividing communities today felt like stepping into the past.
QCEG: Your art brings attention to these issues, but it also sparks joy. How do people react?
CitizHeart: When we created a fresco in La Défense, women laughed, smiled, and for a moment forgot their struggles. Art has a way of connecting people, offering hope, and reminding them of their humanity. That’s what I aim for—small but meaningful moments of change.
QCEG: How long have you been creating these works?
CitizHeart: Just two and a half years! It started for fun, but seeing how people reacted, I realised it could be more. Since then, I’ve had exhibitions in Paris, London, Venice, and now at UNESCO. Alongside creating art, I’ve introduced workshops for kids and collaborated with marginalized communities.
QCEG: Your work spans peace, community, and inclusivity. Do you see it having a global impact?
CitizHeart: Absolutely. CitizHeart is more than art—it’s a platform for connection. I dream of expanding globally, collaborating with organizations or figures like Prince William, and using these symbols to create a universal dialogue.
QCEG: Why stick to the small size for your Lego Hearts?
CitizHeart: The charm is in its simplicity. Larger pieces lose their emotional impact. The small size is universal, relatable, and carries a warmth that connects with everyone.
QCEG: Your hearts have already travelled to 35 cities. Do you plan to take your workshops internationally?
CitizHeart: That’s my vision, connecting children and marginalised communities worldwide through art. A global CitizHeart initiative could create shared experiences that transcend borders, fostering connection through kindness and creativity.
QCEG: It’s such a powerful idea..., uniting the world.
CitizHeart: That’s the dream. Art is about connection, and connection is what makes us human. My work is a reminder to break down walls, even if it’s just one small heart at a time.