As an illustrator, Cédric Rivrain has rendered the visions of such designers as Martine Sitbon and John Galliano. But in his first gallery show, Rivrain mixes his fashion roots with a more unorthodox passion one can find at the local CVS.

“I’ve always been obsessed with Band-Aids,” says Rivrain, 31. “ My father, a doctor, used to receive a lot of samples in weird shapes. Some for knees, or elbows, or even the bottom. I collected them all – clean ones of course. I saw them as ornaments, but also as protection.”

Rivrain’s aptly titled “Drawings” show is a melange of lovingly drafted dessins of his friends, many of whom occupy various rungs of the Paris fashion scene, adorned with a variety of adhesive bandages. Rivrain’s choice of subjects isn’t a statement on style, however, but rather situation.

“I’ve been working in fashion since I was 18,” says Rivrain of the stars of the drawings and his life, continuing, “even my brother works in fashion as a PR.”

The work features a lot of Band-Aids, but not a single cut or bruise.

“But there are subtle and hidden pains you can see in the eyes,” Rivrain explains. “I am a very happy person but I draw a certain sadness. Those happy Band-Aids with Mickey Mouse or Snoopy on them are my way to say, ‘I have a magic Band-aid that will take your sadness away.’”

Rivrain realizes that his subtle, idealized work comes from a sadder place.

“This is an homage to my parents in a way,” Rivrain ponders. “I’m not ready to make their portrait yet. One day I hope I will. I lost my mother ten years ago and my father last year. My mother was a wonderful woman, very aware of appearances, very chic. She made me discover fashion. She knew a lot about fashion, dressed in designers and took me shopping with her. But she was not superficial. She was a very fair, clever and strong woman. Now ten years later I realize strong persons like her are extremely rare.”

She would definitely be proud.

“Drawings” is on display until June 16.
Brachfield Gallery
78 rue des Archives
Paris
75003
+33 1 46 36 15 00

www.cedricrivrain.com

KEYWORDS: art, Cédric Rivrain, illustration