Kid Cudi Opens First Painting Exhibition in Paris

The rapper-turned-artist explores his inner turmoil through vibrant, personal canvases.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Scotty Ramon, known as the rapper Kid Cudi, has opened his first solo painting exhibition titled "Echoes of the Past" at Ruttkowski;68 gallery in Paris. The canvases feature his avatar Max engaging in acts ranging from violent to liberating, serving as a deeply personal and cathartic outlet for Ramon to express his struggles with anxiety, depression, and addiction that he has explored in his music. The exhibition also includes a 10-minute percussive score composed by Ramon to accompany the visuals, transporting viewers into his mind.

Why it matters

Kid Cudi's transition from acclaimed rapper to visual artist highlights his versatility as a creative and his desire to explore new mediums to express his inner turmoil. The exhibition provides a unique window into the artist's psyche and his journey of finding healing through the creative process, which he hopes will resonate with and inspire his viewers.

The details

Ramon began painting in 2024 as a new hobby, returning to a childhood passion for drawing and creating art. His first paintings depict his avatar Max in violent and confrontational scenes, setting the tone for the deeply personal nature of the work. As he continued painting, the compositions became more uplifting, with Max floating freely in the sky, reflecting Ramon's own path towards healing and freedom from his inner demons.

  • Kid Cudi started painting in 2024, at the age of 40.
  • The "Echoes of the Past" exhibition is on view from January 31 to March 1, 2026.

The players

Scotty Ramon

Also known as the rapper Kid Cudi, Ramon is the artist behind the "Echoes of the Past" exhibition. He began painting as a new hobby in 2024 and has since created over 50 works, exploring his personal struggles through the medium.

Max

Ramon's avatar that appears in his paintings, serving as a representation of the artist's inner turmoil and journey towards healing.

Ruttkowski;68

The Paris-based gallery hosting Kid Cudi's first solo painting exhibition.

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What they’re saying

“Painting became something that was therapy for me, expressing this side of me in a different way than I do in my music.”

— Scotty Ramon, Artist (artnet.com)

“When you're listening to the music and you're looking at the paintings, you're going on this ride. I want to bring people into my mind, so they feel like they're transported to another world.”

— Scotty Ramon, Artist (artnet.com)

“When I paint, it's me articulating my past struggles, in the hopes that it could help somebody who comes to the exhibition, sees the painting, and gets inspired.”

— Scotty Ramon, Artist (artnet.com)

What’s next

Ramon has already created 50 to 60 more paintings, enough for his second and third painting exhibitions following the "Echoes of the Past" show.

The takeaway

Kid Cudi's transition into the visual arts demonstrates his versatility as an artist and his desire to explore new mediums to express his personal struggles and journey towards healing. His painting exhibition provides a unique window into the rapper's psyche and offers inspiration for others who may be navigating similar challenges.