"Special K" Showcases 16 Drawings in Seoul, Reflecting Urban Themes

Courtesy of the artist and Gladstone Gallery

Gladstone Gallery in Seoul is hosting the first Asia exhibition of French artist David Rappeneau. Known for his provocative illustrations, Rappeneau emerged in the art world in 2014 and has since gained recognition for his enigmatic and alluring drawings. 

▲ "Untitled" by David Rappeneau (Courtesy of the artist and Gladstone Gallery)The exhibition, titled "Special K," features 16 recent drawings created by Rappeneau from 2022 to the present. Executed with ball-point pens, charcoal pencils, acrylic markers, and acrylic paints, the artist's work captures scenes of young individuals in urban environments, often depicting them engaged in exaggerated gestures. The cities portrayed in his pieces evoke a sense of familiarity, resembling locations such as New York City, Amsterdam, or other metropolitan areas based on the viewer's interpretation.

Little information is available about Rappeneau, adding an air of mystery to his artistic persona. According to Gladstone Gallery, the artist is a French male predominantly based in New York or Europe. The gallery, known for its presence in the United States and Europe, opened its first space in Asia in 2022, located in southern Seoul.

▲ An installation view of "David Rappeneau: Special K" at Gladstone Gallery in Seoul (Courtesy of the artist and Gladstone Gallery)

The exhibition is a notable addition to Seoul's art scene, with Gladstone Gallery expressing optimism about experimenting with new ideas in the city's open-minded and trendy environment. Kang Ju-hee, senior director at Gladstone Gallery in Seoul, mentioned the positive reception from Korean collectors, noting Rappeneau's popularity in the United States and Europe.

The title of the exhibition, "Special K," draws inspiration from a single released in 2001 by the British alternative rock band Placebo. The show, open to the public, will run until January 13, 2024, showcasing Rappeneau's distinctive artistic perspective.

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