Sophie, 2017

Keymi   Emerging artists

Keymi, his real name Stephan Raymond was born near Paris, in Val d'oise. He quickly settled down in Clermont-Ferrand where he began his career as an artist and made a name for himself.

He joined the scientific section at high school, before History of Art at university. Drawing was a major part of his everyday life, Keymi saw this as a hobby those days.

It was in 1990 that he embarked on the painting adventure, and had some experience in watercolors and photography. Graffiti became a favorite, influenced by the world of hip-hop in the 80's, flooding the popular culture. Keymi found his true expression in street art as he wanted art to go towards people and not the other way around.

His pseudonym is influenced by his friend who came back from the United states and he called him Mickey. To do the same, the latter called him Keymi. A very evocative nickname, implying the world of pop art  which seduced the artist, therefore he adopted it.

The artist's work is nourished by classic references but also rococo or even baroque, rather than the contemporary universe like tattoo images. This is how he created "abstract calligraphy", to pay a tribute to graffiti.

Intrigued by puzzles, Keymi played around with it and reshaped it. One can see pop art icons or portions of these symbols inlaid on a piece of a puzzle and highlighted on a black background.

He now exhibits all around France, his creations can be found on the street, canvases or directly in his private home.