In Korea, spray paint is noticeably more expensive than in Europe, which affects the way artists interact with street murals. Here, many people use brushes. Since my arrival in 2016, I’ve also adapted this approach to challenge myself, a shift that has allowed for a more intricate and detailed execution, particularly in lettering and finer details. This naturally lead to a more pronounced expression of my own graphic style during the creative process, which was heavily influenced by underground comics from my youth.
Acrylic on wall / Around 4,5 x 2m/ 2020. 05
[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/
