Jean Popeye Gaultier, 2020

Daru  

David Nicolas, known by his pseudonym Daru, is a French painter and street artist from the Nièvre region. Born in 1976, he began his artistic career as a cartoonist and author of the comic strip "Serial Coxer". It was only when he turned to street art that David Nicolas became Daru, adopting a unique and unmistakable style that merges pop culture, street art, and cultural commentary.

In 2025, French contemporary artist Daru (David Nicolas) continues to captivate the art world with his satirical pop-street art fusion. His latest works, including Duck of the Year and Saved by God, reimagine Donald Duck as a caricature of Donald Trump, blending political commentary with iconic cartoon imagery. These pieces exemplify Daru's signature style of juxtaposing luxury and pop culture on reclaimed wood canvases. His art, characterized by vibrant colors and critical undertones, remains a poignant reflection of contemporary society.

Daru gained recognition through his famous murals and graffiti, notably "Le Chat" in Clermont-Ferrand, created during the Such'Act event in 2018. His artistic style is characterized by the use of iconic pop culture characters, which he humorously and satirically reimagines to comment on contemporary social issues. Notable works include parodies such as Donald Duck transformed into Karl Donaldfeld and Snow White as a social media influencer.

Having honed his artistic skills in street art, Daru is a self-taught artist who has evolved and adapted over time. Frustrated by the limited visibility of mural art, he began experimenting with new mediums, transitioning from walls to canvas and eventually to wooden pallets since 2019. This shift allowed him to make his art more accessible, extending beyond physical boundaries.

His works have been exhibited internationally, particularly in France and the United States, where they have met with notable success. He currently lives and works in the French countryside, continuing to create and explore new artistic horizons.
Daru approaches his work with two main objectives: to bring happiness to those who see his pieces and to raise awareness of pressing social issues. Inspired by pop art and street art, he uses well-known cultural figures to create new characters that highlight problems such as greed and the overuse of social media. His approach blends dark humor, sarcasm, and recognizable characters to convey serious messages while inspiring laughter and reflection among viewers.

In addition to his parodies and street art, Daru has participated in prestigious exhibitions such as the Paris Fashion Week in 2022 and the Art3F fairs in Lyon and Monaco. His works are displayed in galleries across Europe and the United States, affirming his place in the contemporary art scene. His work, instantly recognizable, continues to evolve, driven by his moods and thoughts of the moment, always valuing freedom of expression.

Find this artist and many more in our collection of works by provocative artists.