Kid Cudi is officially making his move into the fine art space — and he’s doing so under a brand-new name.
The Grammy-winning artist and actor is set to debut his first-ever art exhibition in Paris, formally introducing his painter persona, Scotty Ramon. The solo show, titled Echoes of the Past, will take place at Ruttkowski;68 in the city’s 3rd arrondissement, running from January 31 through March 1. An opening reception is scheduled for January 30 from 5–8 p.m.
Known for his emotionally raw music and boundary-pushing creativity, Cudi’s Paris exhibition signals a bold shift into a new medium — one he’s been quietly working toward. Under the Scotty Ramon identity, the Cleveland native has spent the past year developing a collection of paintings that mirror the same tension found throughout his music: vivid color colliding with deep emotion.
According to Amy Verner’s listing on the Ruttkowski68 website, the exhibition will showcase 10 paintings, many centered around a recurring character named Max. Described as Ramon’s visual alter ego, Max represents his “inner child.” Across the pieces, Max appears in dreamlike situations — sometimes being chased by playful demons, other times facing dark, looming shadows — giving the works the feel of mental snapshots rather than traditional portraits.
The gallery description adds that Ramon mixes biomorphic shapes and geometric patterns with bold, almost synesthetic color choices. While the paintings include unsettling phrases and warning-style graphics, they avoid offering clear answers, instead leaving room for interpretations tied to growth, transformation, and finding light beyond darkness.
Cudi reportedly began painting just over a year ago, reconnecting with a childhood ambition of becoming a cartoonist. That influence shows through in the work — visually playful at first glance, yet layered with the emotional weight fans recognize from his music, memoir, and recent creative ventures.
The exhibition won’t be limited to visuals alone. Cudi has also composed an original score that will play throughout the gallery, described as atmospheric and electric, driven by synths and rhythm to create a fully immersive experience rather than a standard walk-through.
The Paris debut follows shortly after Cudi premiered an artist-centered documentary at Art Basel Miami Beach, making it clear that this painting chapter isn’t a side project — it’s becoming a core part of his evolving creative identity beyond music.
