Swing, 2024
Jef Aérosol

Jef Aérosol, born Jean-François Perroy in 1957 in Nantes, France, is a renowned graffiti artist and one of the pioneering figures in the global street art movement. As a self-taught artist, Jef Aérosol's career began in the early 1980s, during the rise of street art and the influence of the punk culture that reshaped urban art landscapes. He is widely recognized for his powerful stenciled portraits, often of iconic figures from music and pop culture, which helped define the aesthetic and language of contemporary urban art. Jef Aérosol's signature style, marked by bold black silhouettes and emotional depth, has made him one of the most influential artists in the genre, alongside other major street art figures such as Blek Le Rat, Miss Tic, and Epsylon Point. His stencils bring a sense of urgency and relevance to his subjects, capturing the pulse of society through the lens of street culture.

In 2024, Jef Aérosol expanded his artistic reach and influence, participating in several notable international events. He contributed to Exporama 2024 in Rennes, where he not only showcased his work in a major exhibition at the Musée des Beaux-Arts but also created a temporary mural on the M.U.R. of Rue Vasselot, continuing his legacy of making street art accessible to the public. In October 2024, Jef Aérosol's artwork graced the cockpit of the Initiatives-Cœur boat during the Vendée Globe 2024, an iconic sailing race, where his design supported a humanitarian cause—fundraising for children with congenital heart defects. His work continues to resonate with global audiences, with pieces now featured in prominent collections worldwide. Jef Aérosol's growing presence in mainstream art circles was further solidified when he was included in the 2024 edition of Larousse, a French dictionary that recognizes his significant contributions to urban and contemporary art.

Jef Aérosol's work has always been rooted in his connection to music, especially rock, drawing inspiration from the genre's legendary figures such as Elvis Presley, Jimi Hendrix, and Bob Dylan. His stencils reflect the vibrancy of the rock generation, with their faces frozen in time, immortalized in the form of a stencil. Initially, his self-portraits were central to his work, but over time, he expanded to include musicians, artists, and even passersby, transforming ordinary people into icons of the streets. His work is marked by an emotional intensity, with subjects often appearing isolated or contemplative, conveying a sense of loneliness, rebellion, and raw human emotion. A distinctive feature in many of Jef's works is the use of a red arrow, a symbol that he employs across his pieces, although its exact meaning remains open to interpretation, adding a layer of mystery to his stenciled messages.

One of Jef Aérosol's most iconic works is his stencil of the "Sitting Kid," a poignant image of a child sitting alone, withdrawn, and lost in thought. This piece has become a symbol of solitude and introspection, resonating deeply with viewers around the world. His "Sitting Kid" stencil is so impactful that it is now displayed on the Great Wall of China, further cementing its place in the global art conversation. Another monumental work, “Chuuut," spans an impressive 350 m² (22 x 14 m) and is located in Paris in front of the Stravinsky Fountain, a masterpiece that invites viewers to reflect in silence. The piece depicts a face with eyes that suggest a moment of quiet contemplation, making it one of Jef Aérosol's most well-known and emotionally charged public artworks.

Jef Aérosol's contribution to street art is far-reaching, with his pieces adorning walls in cities around the world, including Paris, London, Rome, Lisbon, and Brussels. His work has evolved to include both permanent installations and ephemeral pieces, embracing the transient nature of street art while still creating work that speaks to both the moment and the larger cultural conversation. Through his art, Jef Aérosol has captured the raw energy of the streets, giving life to music, rebellion, and the human spirit. His influence on contemporary urban art continues to grow, ensuring his place as a key figure in the history of street art and graffiti.