In 2004 Luc Grateau began painting the portrait of people sitting across from him in the mêtro. His low-tech setup consists of a contraption that doubles as paintbox and easel, constructed from a calculator case that holds a few oil paints in a makeup container, as well as brushes and the tickets. Riders are apparently quite happy serving as subjects, since hundreds of portraits can be browsed on the artist's site. Less thrilled about posing are Grateau's neighbors, who have declined en masse. Unfazed, his response was to render 108 of them in the form of primates, with a result that's weird but compelling (Voisins de palier).

However, it's the ticket portraits that have a special magic, thanks to a sureness of touch. Many exude a sense of monumentality far beyond their modest format, with it being almost possible to imagine yourself by the side of Grateau as he dabbles away in his paintbox, the subject just a few feet away. It's a great reminder that no matter how powerful our digital tools, there will always be a place for traditional media, coupled with engaged observations of our fellow travellers.