Born in 1990 in Côte d’Ivoire, Didier Gnepa, known as Diafrel, is a visual artist living in the Paris region
1- An artist committed to environmental issues
His distinctive works depict the world around him and humanity’s place in society. He sheds light on the social issues of our time. Diafrel’s gentle and soothing paintings all bear his signature style: the use of recycled materials as the backdrop for his works.
2- Comics and manga as a source of inspiration
Didier Gnema showed a great love for art from a very young age: this passion was noticed by his parents and primary school teachers, who encouraged him to pursue this path. In 2007, after completing his secondary education, he enrolled at the Centre Technique des Arts Appliqués, where he successfully obtained his art qualification. Eager to deepen his knowledge of graphic art – driven by his passion for comic books and the visual styles of manga – he undertook a course in visual communication to hone his digital skills. He went on to obtain a Higher Technical Certificate.
3- His ecological turning point
In 2018, whilst creating the “New Africa” series, Didier Gnepa became aware of the high cost of art materials. At the same time, he became aware of the astronomical amount of cardboard and other rubbish being thrown onto the streets. This led him to start using second-hand and recycled materials for his creations, and repurposed materials became his tool of choice
4- A new technique, still with an ecological focus
Didier Gnepa has now made a name for himself with his ‘intertwining lines’ technique, which involves letting paint flow or drip. This lends his drawings a sense of relief and dynamism, as well as a certain depth. The harmonious colours immerse us in a serene atmosphere and invite us to pause for a moment.
5- Basquiat and Picasso: sources of inspiration
It is Basquiat’s spontaneity, as well as his pictorial compositions that exude strength and energy, which influence Didier Gnepa’s work. He admires Picasso’s versatility: drawings, engravings, lithographs, watercolours, oil paintings, pastels, sculptures in metal, plaster or stone, assemblages, theatre sets and ceramics.