MINNEAPOLIS — Minneapolis will become the 22nd stop, and the first in the United States, of “Beyond Walls,” a globe-spanning land art initiative by Franco-Swiss artist Saype, when the project arrives at Boom Island Park this June.
Saype is scheduled to begin painting on Monday, June 1, and unveil the completed work at a community celebration at Boom Island Park on Saturday, June 6. The public is invited to attend.
“Beyond Walls” is the largest participatory land-art project ever created. It consists of giant intertwined hands painted on the ground, symbolizing the longest human chain in the world, constructed city by city.
The project launched in 2019 at the foot of the Eiffel Tower in Paris and has since traveled across four continents, with installations in Geneva, Berlin, Istanbul, Venice, Cape Town, Tokyo and Cairo, among other cities.
But why this “City by Nature?” Minneapolis, as per the Park & Recreation Board, is a deliberate and significant choice. Unlike coastal capitals where international art often takes precedence, Minneapolis embodies the geographical and human essence of the nation. This city, renowned for its lakes, riverfronts, and abundant public green spaces, has long been celebrated for its exceptional park system and its commitment to supporting public art and fostering civic dialogue.
“Minneapolis is also a city that has known, like many around the world, the experience of fracture and the harder, more patient experience of rebuilding together,” Minneapolis’ Park & Recreation Board’s press release reads. “It is a city where art, public space and resiliency have a particular meaning. Beyond Walls comes to Minneapolis not to comment, but to celebrate what unites: the simple, universal idea that we live, work, and grow stronger when we do so together.”
Saype is a Franco-Swiss artist recognized as one of the pioneers of a new form of monumental land art. Working directly on grass using a 100% eco-responsible paint of his own formulation, he creates ephemeral frescoes of unprecedented scale, designed to fade naturally. The biodegradable pigments are made from materials including charcoal, chalk, water and milk proteins.
“Parks are where communities come together, and Beyond Walls is a powerful expression of that idea,” said Al Bangoura, Superintendent of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board. “We’re incredibly excited to host a unique project that creates a meaningful experience for residents and visitors alike. This installation will reflect the energy and creativity that built Minneapolis’ strong communities, excellent parks, and vibrant public art.”
Saype was named by Forbes among the 30 most influential figures in art under 30, and his work has been featured by The New York Times, BBC, CNN, The Guardian and Le Monde, among hundreds of other publications worldwide.
Temporary fencing and signage will be in place while the artwork is being created, keeping visitors off the piece until it is finished. Once complete, the public is welcome to walk across it. Saype’s frescoes typically last anywhere from three weeks to three months, depending on weather and climate.
According to the artist, the impermanence is intentional. The artwork is designed to fade naturally and is a reminder, in Saype’s framing, that the traces we leave on earth are measured not by their duration but by their meaning.
Saype is also inviting people of all ages to join hands as he creates what will be his first American community masterpiece.
The Boom Island installation lands at a moment when Minneapolis is positioning itself as a hub for public art and civic gathering. The June 6 unveiling celebration coincides with a packed summer calendar for the city’s riverfront parks.
Boom Island Park is located at 724 Sibley St. NE in Minneapolis, along the Mississippi River.
