magazine graffiti portraits de famille IKON

Publisher: Galerie Le Feuvre 2010 In Portraits de famille, his first solo exhibition at Galerie Le Feuvre in Paris (December 2009 – January 2010), the French autodidact artist Ikon presented a vibrant and ironic homage to the heroes of his childhood. Drawing inspiration from American pop culture—particularly the Marvel comic universe—Ikon reimagined iconic figures like Spider-Man, the X-Men, and Captain America through a personal and expressive lens. These characters, which he has collected since the age of 10, are immortalized in colorful family portraits, blending nostalgia with a critical perspective on cultural identity. Ikon's technique involves layering blood-red acrylics and reinterpreted American flags, creating compositions where familiar symbols emerge subtly beneath the surface. His work also reflects his experiences with urban sports like surfing and skateboarding, which he practiced from the age of 16, infusing his art with dynamic energy and a connection to the American dream. Portraits de famille marked the beginning of Ikon's exploration into themes of identity, culture, and memory, establishing his unique voice in the contemporary art scene.