Enigmatic French Rappenau artist debuts first Asian show in Seoul

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Enigmatic French Rappenau artist debuts first Asian show in Seoul

Published: 21 Nov. 2023, 16:21 Updated: 21 Nov. 2023, 17:11

SHIN MIN-HEE
shin.minhee@joongang.co.kr

Installation view of ″David Rappeneau: Special K″ at Gladstone Gallery in southern Seoul [GLADSTONE GALLERY]

Who is David Rappeneau? Nobody really knows — but his first Asian solo show is now open for business.

Other than the fact that Rappeneau is a French man, the illustrator's identity is veiled in mystery. Not even art enthusiasts nor industry insiders know basic details about him — his age, his appearance, or whether David Rappeneau is even his real name.

Rappeneau first appeared on social media in 2014 under the name Prince Diamond. Since then, he has garnered a fandom for his provocative drawings that are reminiscent of graphic novels and Japanese anime.

He has over 74,000 followers on Instagram and has mainly worked in New York and Europe.

Rappeneau is holding his first solo show in Asia at the Gladstone Gallery in Gangnam District, southern Seoul, presenting 16 new illustrations. The works were produced this year and last year, and are all presented under the title, “Untitled."

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″Untitled″ (2022) by David Rappeneau [GLADSTONE GALLERY]

Rappeneau’s works evoke dystopia. His drawings depict a cityscape of characters who smoke and wear revealing clothing that exaggerates specific body parts, such as nipples. Some figures have tattoos, and most sport blue or green hair.

Though he actively posts his work online, Rappeneau creates it mainly with offline mediums, such as ballpoint pens, charcoal pencils and acrylic markers on paper.

The exhibition title, “Special K,” comes from the American cereal, which has been criticized for claiming to offer health benefits that were deemed “unrealistic.” It’s also the title of English alternative rock band Placebo’s song, the lyrics of which depict the desire to break free from emotional distress.

The song is similar to Rappeneau’s work in that both allude to an escape from reality, according to Gladstone.

″Untitled″ (2022) by David Rappeneau [GLADSTONE GALLERY]

Rappeneau is reluctant to reveal his identity, because he does not want such information to influence how viewers see his work. But even that is “fascinating,” Kang Ju-hee, senior director at Gladstone Gallery, told press last week.

“He doesn’t disclose who he is, yet there is so much to read into his works,” Kang said. “So instead of being limited to understanding what the artist says about his illustrations, he strongly suggests that we create our own interpretations.

“Everyone may try to find what the statement of his works is, but since that has been ruled out completely, even I feel freer in explaining them.”

“Special K” continues until Jan. 13 of next year. Gladstone Gallery is open from Tuesdays to Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The exhibition is free.

BY SHIN MIN-HEE [shin.minhee@joongang.co.kr]