Jean-François Perroy, known as Jef Aérosol, is a French urban artist born in Nantes in 1957.
Considered a pioneer of stencil art in Europe, he has significantly influenced the urban art scene since the early 1980s.
Early days and musical influence
Before devoting himself fully to art, Jef Aérosol was an English teacher and a passionate musician.
He played in several bands, including Windcatchers, Open Road and Distant Shores, ranging from traditional Irish folk to rock'n'blues.
This passion for music has deeply influenced his art, leading him to portray rock icons from the 1960s and 1970s, as well as ordinary people of all ages and backgrounds.
The birth of the pseudonym and artistic evolution
In 1982, Jef Aérosol made his first stencil in Tours, marking the beginning of his career in urban art. His pseudonym, ‘Jef Aérosol’, derives from combining his name with the French word for ‘spray’, emphasising the importance of the spray can in his work.
His works are characterised by the predominant use of black and white, with the addition of a distinctive red arrow, his signature and ‘disruptive element’.
Themes and subjects of works
Jef Aérosol creates portraits of both famous figures, such as Elvis Presley, Gandhi, John Lennon and Jimi Hendrix, and anonymous people, including street musicians, passers-by, beggars and children.
This approach highlights the humanity shared between famous and ordinary individuals, emphasising the dignity and authenticity of each person.
Iconic works and awards
Among his most iconic works is ‘Sitting Kid’, depicting a young boy sitting in a pensive position, found in places such as the Great Wall of China, London and New York.
Another significant work is ‘Chuuuttt!!!’, a 350-square-metre mural created in 2011 near the Centre Georges-Pompidou in Paris, which depicts a man with his finger on his lips as a sign of silence.
International exhibitions and collaborations
Jef Aérosol has exhibited in numerous international institutions and events, including La Condition Publique in Roubaix, the Volklingen Art Biennial in Germany and the CAFA Museum in Beijing.
His works can be found in galleries and museums all over the world, making him a prominent figure in the contemporary urban art scene.
With a career spanning more than four decades, Jef Aérosol continues to influence and inspire the urban art world.
His ability to fuse music, pop culture and portraits of everyday life makes him a unique artist whose work transcends cultural and temporal barriers.
Jef Aérosol: Works for sale with prices and value from Wunderkammern
If you are interested in the artist, you can find Jef Aérosol's works for sale online at our website.
If you would like to know about Jef Aérosol's prices, value or which works will be exhibited, please do not hesitate to contact us by sending an e-mail to shop@wunderkammern.net.
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