Description
"Euljiro Mundeok" pays homage to the historic avenue in Seoul, named after the revered 7th century military leader Eulji Mundeok, who saved Korea from an advancing Chinese army. This artwork seamlessly blends the essence of ancient Korean warrior armor with traditional carvings, embodying the enduring link between the past and present. The link of the ancient to the contemporary is also present in the relationship to metal between the armor and the craftsmen who currently work in Euljiro.
Acrylic on metal curtain / Around 5 × 3.5 m/ 2020
[DROL]
At some point, unfamiliar but beautiful graffiti began to take over the underpasses, rooftops, and streets of Seoul, and at the center of it all was the artist Drol. A French-born graffiti virtuoso who embraced Korea as his home in 2016 alongside his Korean wife, Drol's journey into street art commenced in his teenage years, fueled by a passion for subcultures like rap, hip-hop, and classic comics. His distinct graffiti style, a fusion of underground comics and 19th-century European painting, transforms forgotten corners of Korea—abandoned factories, old walls, and underground passages—into whimsical worlds of fantasy and fairy tales. Drol's ability to seamlessly blend unfamiliar elements with the historical backdrop of his adopted home has solidified his status as one of Korea's most important and recognizable graffiti artists. Beyond the streets, he showcases his artistic versatility through illustrations, exhibitions, installations, and tattoos.
Having left his mark in France's International Biennale and various residency programs, Drol continues his artistic journey in Korea, collaborating on projects commemorating the 130th anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and Korea, and even joining forces with industry giants like Sony Pictures and Mini Cooper.
His chosen artist name, Drol, cleverly reflects the playful duality of a street artist, embodying the transition from 'DROL' (clown) to 'LORD' (absolute one).
https://www.instagram.com/monsieurdrol/