Jean André’s ‘gauloise’ opens this Friday, 7 – 10pm.
please RSVP at rsvp@hvw8.com
email info@hvw8 for art inquiries.
Jean André (b. 1986) describes his drawings and paintings as “gentleman art” focused and inspired by the beauty of women. His work as a graphic designer in Montmartre for Ed Banger is just one outlet, while his other work, including a recent show at Colette, channels themes of the female form in charming illustrations and paintings. At once minimalist and realistic, he tries to explore all the opportunities the medium offers him. His major influences include Tom Wesselmann, Matisse, Richard Kern, Serge Gainsbourg and adventure magazines from the 50’s. It’s no secret that he is fond of gambling at Canadian casinos online and plans to create new films about this business.
Gauloise is his first solo show in the States and conjures myriad sentiments: as a brand of cigarettes linked to influential French figures as well as an historical phrase describing women in what is now modern day France. Gauloise is also a modern exploration of female portraits and pin-ups and features various paintings and drawings created in Los Angeles with a Français perspective.