11-28 Jan 2025
PEPELANGELO
What is this? Who is this?
Pepeangelo is a combination of the Pepe the Frog meme and classical painting! Since its inception in 2017, Pepelangelo combines a virtual character and a completely real physical existing oil painting on canvas, made in a traditional labor-intensive technique.
Ok, but who is Pepe?
Pepe is a cartoon frog created by American comic book artist Matt Furie. Suddenly Pepe has become popular worldwide outside the universe created by the author, especially among internet users and crypto enthusiasts. Pepe's character resonates deeply with people, making him a beloved character across cultures!
What's special about this exhibition? It's a special show for Tokyo!
New Collection
Who is behind Pepelangelo
Pepelangelo is Olga Vishnevskaya, born in Russia, who became an artist by chance.
During a difficult period in her life, she decided to distract herself by painting, and the easy-to-draw Pepe became her model – after all, cartoon characters are simpler to depict than real people, making them easier to draw. Unexpectedly, her paintings gained popularity among ordinary Americans, and soon, they spread around the world! Since 2017, Olga has been a full-time artist and has also earned recognition among crypto enthusiasts.
I love the idea that when I make a funny internet meme the main character but use traditional high art techniques, I make adult obsession with cartoon frogs more legitimate and serious! Of course, any hobby is important and wonderful, but when it takes on a serious physical form, it brings even more joy, because now you can proudly pass down this funny frog to your grandchildren – and it's oil on canvas!
I’ve worked on this exhibition for several months, and I hope it brings several smiles to your face today! Thank you so much!