When it comes to the age-old dispute over the relative greatness of Paris and New York, graphic designer and artistic director Vahram Muratyan refuses to play favorites. Despite being born in Paris, Muratyan isn’t shy about revealing that his heart belongs to the City of Lights as much as to the Big Apple. “When I’m in Paris, I miss New York, and when I’m in New York, I miss Paris. It’s really impossible to choose,” explains Muratyan, whose love affair with New York began to take shape as a young boy travelling to the city with his mother and older brother. What started off as summer trips with his family soon grew into trans-Atlantic solo voyages exploring the city as a young adult. Two years ago, at the age of 30, Muratyan’s three-month stay in New York inspired his fanciful blog, Paris versus New York: A Tally of Two Cities.
Through eye-catching, minimalist graphics and snappy copy, Muratyan translates this historical duel into art on the witty blog he launched back in October of 2010. Illustrations of instantly recognizable landscapes, clichés, and famous faces from both cities are pitted against each other. A macaroon vs. a cupcake, a bagel vs. a baguette, and a petite espresso vs. an obscene paper cup of joe are some of the friendly battles featured in the anticipated book version of Muratyan’s popular blog, currently available from Penguin Books. Over espresso at French restaurant Pastis in New York’s Meatpacking District, Muratyan talked to us about his devotion to both New York and Paris, his new book, and why he’ll always be a city boy at heart.
Vahram Muratyan’s Love Letters to Paris & New York
