Semi Permanent 2009 / James Jean

American artist James Jean re-imagines the iconography and narratives of fairytales and folklore, bringing life to fantastical new worlds rich in magic, menace and seductive sensuality. James Jean was born in Taiwan, raised in New Jersey, and educated at the School of Visual Arts in New York City. After graduating in 2001, Jean became an acclaimed cover artist for DC Comics, earning a string of awards including three consecutive Eisner awards, two Harvey awards, and a gold medal from the Society of Illustrators of NY. His unusual colour palettes, watery chartreuse with purple and emerald, or muted pink and brown with turquoise and tangerine, ensured his work was unique, distinctive and otherworldly. References to religious symbolism, suffering, good vs. evil and depictions of anguished fairies, woodlands, fauns, nymphs and other macabre creatures are recurring themes in Jean’s work. 

James Jean is one of the speakers at this year’s fast approaching Semi Permanent. This years event takes place over August 14-15 and James is just one speaker amongst a very strong line-up of talented creatives. To see the full line-up click here

Finally, if you haven’t seen Prada’s Trembled Blossoms short film from last year, it’s a must watch. Captivated by Jean’s cover art for Fables Comics, Miuccia Prada asked Jean to create the imagery for Prada’s whimsical Spring Summer 2008 campaign. The short uses James Jean’s artwork to create a lushly animated fashion fairy-tale. Set to an otherworldly soundtrack, the film follows a sensual woodland Nymph’s journey through a series of Dali-esque landscapes. She meets various mysterious creatures who slowly metamorphosis into Prada shoes, clothing and handbags. The mesmerising animation is an extension of James Jean’s aesthetic, an expression of Prada’s ethereal side and a delightful intersection between high fashion and fine art. James Jean is one of my favourite artists, you may recall we did an interview and feature on him in PILOT issue #1. Dude is a seriously talented uber art-nerd and it will be fascinating to hear him talk in Auckland. Don’t miss James Jean at Semi Permanent 2009