Jean-Paul Goude

Jean-Paul Goude was born on December 8, 1940, in Saint-Mandé, a suburb of Paris, France. He would go on to become a prominent graphic designer, illustrator, photographer, and advertising film director. Goude is known for his unique style that often combines surreal and exaggerated imagery with a playful sense of fantasy and imagination. His work spans various forms, including art, fashion photography, and advertisements.

In 1973, Jean-Paul Goude became the art director at Esquire magazine in New York City. During his time at Esquire, Goude developed his iconic graphic style, working on various magazine covers that often featured surreal and conceptual art. His innovative approach to magazine design contributed significantly to the visual style and success of the publication during that period.

In September 1979, Jean-Paul Goude directed a commercial for the Citroën CX, which became renowned for its creative and avant-garde style. The advertisement showcased Goude's talent for combining bold and surreal visuals with effective marketing strategies. This project is often cited as a hallmark of Goude's work in the advertising industry, defining his ability to capture the essence of a brand through imaginative storytelling.

Jean-Paul Goude was commissioned to create designs and direct the parade celebrations for the bicentennial of the French Revolution in 1984. The event was a significant national celebration in France, and Goude's work was influential in capturing the spirit of the occasion, featuring elaborate and creative displays that showcased his distinct artistic vision.

Jean-Paul Goude worked closely with Grace Jones on the album 'Slave to the Rhythm' released in 1985. Goude's innovative visual concepts were a perfect match for Jones' eclectic and powerful music style. The album was a critical success, with Goude's artistic vision prominently featured in the music videos and album art, solidifying their collaboration as one of the most visually striking in the 1980s music scene.

In May 1989, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris hosted a retrospective of Jean-Paul Goude's work. The exhibition featured a vast collection spanning his career as a designer and photographer, presenting pieces from his time in advertising, magazine art direction, and personal projects. The retrospective was critical in cementing Goude's status as an influential figure in modern art and design.

On June 2, 1990, Jean-Paul Goude orchestrated a phenomenal parade down the Champs-Élysées to commemorate the French Revolution's bicentennial. The parade was notable for its theatricality and grandeur, with Goude leveraging his artistic prowess to translate the historical significance into a vibrant public spectacle. This event showcased Goude's exceptional ability to blend historical narrative with contemporary art.

In 1991, Jean-Paul Goude published his book 'Jungle Fever,' which is a collection of his works capturing his illustrious career as a photographer and designer. The book includes some of his most famous art pieces, illustrations, and advertising campaigns. 'Jungle Fever' is celebrated for its vibrant style, showcasing Goude's ability to blend fantasy with reality through dynamic and powerful imagery.

On November 20, 2011, Jean-Paul Goude launched the 'Goudemalion' exhibition at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris. This exhibition was a comprehensive collection of his work and was designed to coincide with the release of his autobiographical book 'Goudemalion: A Retrospective of My Life and Times.' Both the book and the exhibition provided an in-depth look into Goude's creative process and artistic journey over several decades.

In November 2014, Jean-Paul Goude photographed Kim Kardashian for Paper magazine in a shoot intended to 'break the internet.' The images, which referenced Goude's earlier work, sparked significant media attention and internet virality. The controversial photoshoot, featuring Kardashian in provocative poses, became one of the most talked-about media events of the year, demonstrating Goude's lasting impact on visual culture and media.