Viault Art
3 Murals of Taapuna - Punaauia - French Polynesia - 2025
Created in the heart of the commune of Punaauia, these murals are situated in a place steeped in meaning, near the famous Taapuna wave. Inspired by surf culture and the rich biodiversity of this coastline, this artistic project explores the profound connections between the ocean, nature, and the generations that live and breathe it.
L’ Onde de Taapuna
The first mural depicts a protective figure, the Mother of the Oceans, whose flowing hair unfolds into the iconic wave of Taapuna. A young surfer riding an alaia glides along this swell, symbolizing the transmission between past, present, and future.
Around him emerge poetic hybrid forms a cloud-whale, orange-tinted fish, and a star-speckled leopard ray evoking the interconnection of biodiversity and the need to preserve it.
Te Hono — The Connection
The second mural takes the form of a monumental surfboard, rising like a totem between land and ocean. Adorned with coral motifs, it pays tribute to reefs and their essential role in maintaining ecosystem balance.
Local vegetation is celebrated through the depiction of emblematic plants and flowers. A phosphorescent element reveals, after nightfall, a subtle glow that evokes underwater life and reminds us that living beings continue to radiate even in the shadows.
Te Pu — Source of Life
The third mural depicts a traditional pū, partially submerged, symbolizing the vital breath and the connection between the visible and invisible worlds. From this sacred shell emerge hybrid creatures: a turtle with a vegetal shell, a bird of paradise accompanied by monarch butterflies, and a tiger shark adorned with coral motifs, embodying the idea of symbiosis and balance between species.
Through these three works, the project composes a single visual narrative: that of a territory where the ocean, culture, and nature are in constant dialogue. The murals invite everyone to observe, feel, and imagine, while reminding us of the fragility and beauty of the living world that surrounds us.
Participation in the Nosotras Estamos en la Calle festival in Lima, Peru, in 2025. This profoundly human and artistic experience offered me the opportunity to work alongside incredible female muralists who came to share their visions, stories, and struggles through urban art. In this context of exchange and sisterhood, I was able to express myself freely by creating a mural that resonates deeply with my own journey and world.
I completed an artist residency at the Dunedin School of Art, a formative experience that allowed me to create the mural “Whakawhitinga” . This project was made possible thanks to the support of the school and the contribution of Resene, who provided the paints.
“Whakawhitinga,” meaning transmission in Māori , evokes the passing down of knowledge, traditions, and values between generations and species. Located within the art school, the mural highlights the fragility of biodiversity through iconic species from New Zealand and Polynesia. The skeleton of the Moa, an extinct species, accompanied by its shadow representing the bird as it once existed, symbolizes memory and the link between past and present. Resting on its back is the Hoiho penguin, a critically endangered species, serving as a reminder of the urgent need to preserve wildlife.
The artwork also incorporates natural elements such as the Koru, a symbol of growth and renewal, as well as plants native to New Zealand and Polynesia. Maori wave-inspired motifs evoke the connection between land and sea, while Polynesian sky motifs underscore the link between humanity and nature.
“Whakawhitinga” thus invites us to become aware of the fragile balance of life and the need to protect our environmental heritage.
Teahupo’o Marina - Olympic Games - French Polynesia - 2024
The mural at Teahupo’o Marina pays tribute to Polynesian culture by exploring the deep and symbolic connection between the sea and the land. Created with the support of the Department of Equipment and the municipality of Teahupo’o.
The first section depicts the legendary wave of Teahupo’o, surfed by Vahine Fierro, a prominent figure of Tahiti. Beside her, a traditional surfboard, the alaia, symbolizes the heritage of surfing in Polynesia, linking the past and present.
The second panel revives the legend of the Polynesian Triangle, featuring the octopus, or fe’e, whose island-shaped head and tentacles connect the islands, particularly the sacred site of Taputapuātea, emphasizing Polynesian cultural unity.
Finally, the last panels portray the bonitier, a traditional boat essential to local fishing, which the Tavana wished to preserve from being forgotten through this artwork, as well as the logo of the Taiparu Ouest municipality.
This mural celebrates Polynesian history and culture, honoring the enduring connections between the sea, the land, and ancient traditions in their modern context.
Burning man - Black Rock City - USA - 2024
Creation of a mural during the Burning Man 2024 event in Black Rock City, entitled: Burnassic Park 🦖
I am delighted to have had the opportunity to create a work in such a special place. Working among so many creative and inspiring souls has truly nourished and inspired my work.
The work: I had the pleasure of bringing Burnassic Park to life, featuring a T-Rex burner on his bike, accompanied by a Pterodactyl in the form of the 'Man'.
Papenoo GS Mamu Urarii Manu School - French Polynesia - 2024
The mural created at Papenoo is a celebration of the nature and unique landscape of the bay of Papenoo. It highlights the motu Anapa, surrounded by the waves that characterize this bay.
At the heart of the composition is a poetic representation of the ura, the red endemic bird of Polynesia. The ura is not merely a visual symbol here but also a metaphor for the connection between nature and Polynesian culture.
Its flowered wings, scattering petals, illustrate the role of wildlife in the rebirth of life. This gesture evokes the fragile symbiosis between natural elements, reminding us of the importance of preserving this ecological balance.
Hitia’a College - French Polynesia - 2023
As part of my art project in Hitia'a, I had the opportunity to collaborate with middle school students and Raimiti Ravelo to create a mural. Together, we worked on a piece that explores the rich cultural heritage specific to Hitia'a, particularly the legend of Queen Teura and the Fara'ura Valley. Throughout the workshops, I guided the students through the various stages of creating the mural, incorporating their ideas and teaching them artistic techniques.
The legend of Queen Teura tells of her ruling over the Fara'ura Valley, where coastal people came to gather fe'i (a type of fennel). To gain the queen's permission, they had to bring seawater as proof of their maritime origins. If anyone failed to meet this requirement, the queen would become angry and punish them severely. This story, intertwined with nature and tradition, served as inspiration for our mural.
Tunnel Henri IV - Paris - France - 2023
"On the occasion of Paris Plages and with the approach of the Olympics, the Henri IV tunnel is transformed into a new address for Street Art. Artists Babs and Sarah Viault dress it with a monumental mural on Polynesia and climate urgency.
The Henri IV tunnel (Paris, 4th arrondissement). From July 17th to August 11th, Sarah Viault and Babs worked every night (from 10:30 pm to 7:45 am) to create a giant mural of 1,700 m² and dress the walls of the 240-meter-long tunnel. The artists were chosen by the association Urban Art Crew to highlight French Polynesia and echo the surfing events of the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games which will take place in Teahupo’o (Tahiti). The unprecedented project is supported by the city of Paris and the Directorate of Cultural Affairs as part of Paris Plages."
Refer to Connaissance des Arts for more information: (In Paris, a giant Street Art work transforms a tunnel in the heart of the capital (connaissancedesarts.com))
Ono'u - Moorea - French Polynesia - 2022
Created for the Pacific Beachcomber by ONO'U, with the collaboration of artists Ravage and Viault.
Ono'u - Vaitavatava - Papeete - French Polynesia - 2022
The construction of the mural at the Vaitavatava residence, near the bus station in Papeete, has begun since Friday. 700m² are to be adorned thanks to the talent of 5 local professional artists.
This project offers a strong participatory dimension for residents, as in addition to their involvement in the residence's rehabilitation project, two young aspiring artists from Vaitavatava are participating in the creation and realization of the visuals.
This OPH project, in collaboration with Ono’u, is set to be completed by November 28, 2022.
Refer to Polynésie 1er for more information: (Ono'u brings colors to the life of Vaitavatava residents in Papeete - Polynésie la 1ère (francetvinfo.fr))
Ono'u - Makatea - Tuamotu - French Polynesia - 2022
Ono'u - "Te ao ninamu" - OPH Luine - French Polynesia -2022
The Polynesian Housing Office (OPH) and the ONO'U International Street Art Festival are renewing their partnership this year, bringing urban art into OPH residences. The artwork will depict a marine world based on a Polynesian legend, thus addressing a dual theme: cultural and environmental. Unlike other works created on building facades, this one will completely cover the 2,000 square meters of walls in the common areas, both inside and out, creating a sense of continuity and inviting the audience on an imaginary journey.
Its realization will be the result of collaboration between 2 international artists (Insane 51 and Guido Van Helten) and 6 local artists (Sarah Viault, Ravage, Rival, Pierre Motahi, Richard Barri, Tearii Flohr) but also 4 "budding artists" living in the "Luine" residence.
An educational dimension, beyond the artistic and environmental aspects, adds to the appeal of this project – hence the original and innovative nature of this approach.
The start of the artwork's creation also marks the launch of the 2022 edition of the ONO'U festival, whose theme is "oceans special". Its inauguration is scheduled for Friday, May 20.
See: OPH article ( A new ONO'U mural in Papeete, in the OPH "Luine" residence | OPH)
Ono'u - Pirae - French Polynesia - 2021
A mural by Rival, Sarah Viault, Richard Barri and Tearii Flohr at the Young Workers' Home in Pirae.
Ono'u - "Te mana o te natura" - Paofai Park - Papeete -
French Polynesia - 2021
Ono'u Festival: three giant hearts to brighten up Papeete
It's the big news of the Ono'u festival: three heart sculptures have found their place in Parc Paofai and at the Maison de la Culture. They are being customized over the weekend by three local artists with very different techniques. An artistic project that warms the heart as the holiday season approaches...
Three locations, three themes, and three artists: the Ono'u festival continues with the installation and customization of "giant hearts." Two of them have been placed in the gardens of Paofai. One pays tribute to nature, magnified by the brush of Sarah Viault. The other is customized by the multidisciplinary artist Richard Barri. Sculptures with carefully considered shapes: "it's a symbol that unites, that speaks directly to people's souls I hope, on themes that are important to promote in the fenua: on the preservation of our biodiversity, our ocean, our nature," explains Sarah.
Refer to TNTV for more information: (Ono'u Festival: three giant hearts to brighten up Papeete • TNTV Tahiti Nui Television)
Ono'u - Vaitavere - French Polynesia - 2021
It's the grand return of the Ono'u festival after two years of absence. The seventh edition is "100% local," bringing together several artists from Polynesia, such as Ravage, Tvaite, Rival, Richard Barri, Sarah Viault, and Pierre Motahi. The festival began on November 19th with the creation of a giant 600-square-meter mural on the gunite walls of Vaitavere. This is the first part of the event. Work is progressing rather well, notes Sarah Roopinia, the event organizer: "We've been moving very quickly because we have great weather, no technical issues. As a result, on the upper part of Vaitavere, the artists might finish tomorrow with the Tahiti wings."
The youth from the neighborhoods of Punaauia are also participating in the creation of these murals. "It's a very special operation we're doing with the city of Punaauia, it also allows young people to practice," explains Sarah Roopinia. "They work alongside the artists to create a collaborative mural."
Refer to Polynésie 1er for more information: (Ono'u Festival - Graffiti in full swing - Polynésie la 1ère (francetvinfo.fr))
Ono'u - "Iaorana e Maeva" - Papeete - French Polynesia - 2021
Local artists from the Ono'u group and Italian artist Milo have completed the "Iaorana e Maeva" mural which now adorns the Papeete tunnel, describing the evolution of the city on the theme "Papeete of yesterday and today".
Ono'u " Hiva Oa - Marquises - French Polynesia - 2021
Hiva Oa: "TE AOATAKUA O HIVA" a mural dedicated to the preservation of Marquesan heritage
Te Aoatakua O Hiva is the name of the first large-scale mural in the Marquesas Islands, created at the initiative of the municipality of Hiva Oa in partnership with the Ono'u festival, to illustrate all the biodiversity of the archipelago.
The mural was created on the large 15-meter-long wall adjoining the Atuona multi-sports hall.
The mural was unveiled during the President of the Republic's visit on July 25th. It was created by three local artists: Richard Barri, Heiarii Metua (Rival) and Sarah Viault.
The artwork depicts at its center a Haka Manu dancer performing the emblematic Marquesan bird dance. She is surrounded by a representation of 8 endangered bird species from the Marquesas Islands and Europe, among which are visible from left to right of the fresco: the Marquesan monarch, the Pati'oti'o, the Pihiti of Ua Pou, the Kotue of Hiva Oa, the Pahi of Tahuatu echoing the European kingfisher facing it, as well as the Upe of Nuku Hiva and the Oma'oa ke'e ke'e of Fatu Hiva.