Biography of Jef Aerosol | Vincent Bardou
Jef Aérosol , real name Jean-François Perroy , is a pioneer of street art in France, born in 1957 in Nantes. Active since the 1980s, he is one of the first artists to have adopted the stencil technique to express himself in urban space. His works, known for their emotional depth, have marked the street art scene in France and internationally.
The Beginning: A Passion for Music and Art
Before delving fully into art, Jef Aérosol was passionate about music. In 1977, he was part of punk and new wave rock bands, which strongly influenced his aesthetic. The musical culture of that time, combined with the urban energy of the 1980s, pushed him to explore the possibilities of stencils as a means of expression. It was in 1982 that he created his first works in the streets of Tours and Poitiers.
A Striking Style: Portraits and Red Arrow
Jef Aérosol's style is characterized by expressive portraits of cultural icons and anonymous figures, done with stencils and great attention to detail. Artists such as Bob Dylan , Jimi Hendrix , and John Lennon rub shoulders with strangers in his creations, each captured in a frozen, emotional moment. His works are recognizable by a small red arrow , discreetly affixed next to his subjects, which has become his trademark.
Internationalization
Jef Aérosol has left his mark on the streets of many cities around the world, from Paris to New York, London, Venice and Tokyo. His works are present in public places as well as in galleries. He is today one of the most respected artists in the field of street art, having contributed to legitimizing this art form in the cultural landscape.
Famous Works
Some of his most iconic works include portraits of Kurt Cobain , Gandhi , and his monumental stencil entitled "Shhhh!!!" , made on a wall in the Les Halles district of Paris. This large face has become one of the symbols of Parisian street art.
Social and Humanitarian Commitment
Beyond aesthetics, Jef Aérosol often commits to social causes. His portraits of homeless people or refugees are powerful testimonies of his concern for the forgotten and invisible in society.
An Official Recognition
Today, Jef Aérosol enjoys recognition in both art galleries and public spaces. He is part of the first generation of artists who succeeded in establishing street art as a legitimate form of artistic expression, exhibited in museums and collected around the world.
Conclusion
With a career spanning over 40 years, Jef Aérosol has left an indelible mark on the contemporary artistic landscape. His ability to capture human emotion through stencils makes him a major figure in street art, a committed and sensitive artist who continues to inspire new generations of urban artists.