Philippe Jean
Bio
Philippe Jean was born on May 7, 1931 in Versailles. He was a French sculptor and designer. His creations are mostly expressed through free forms. His favorite themes are the female body and animals.
In the late 1940s, he entered the École des Beaux-Arts de Versailles in the painting section. On his arrival, the school was directed by a lithographer and painter, a certain René Aubert.
He quickly turned to sculpture and entered the prestigious Ecole Boulle in Paris. In 1952, he obtained his diploma and was recruited by Carlhian, a major Parisian decorator of the time. Afterwards, Philippe Jean started to create packaging, then became an antique dealer. From the 1970s onwards, he devoted himself fully to design and sculpture.
In terms of design, Philippe Jean has mainly created and manufactured furniture and lighting. He regularly exhibited at the Salon des Ateliers d'Art et de la Création and at the Salon du Luminaire de Paris.
In 1976, he participated in the first International Lighting Exhibition in Milan, also called Euroluce. The following years, he will still be present on this great show. He also exhibited in Germany.
Philippe Jean was recognized during his lifetime for his creations. He obtained several rewards for his luminaries: in 1979, he won the Golden Lamp of creation at the International Lighting Exhibition of Paris. In 1981, he wins again this Golden Lamp of creation at the International Lighting Exhibition of Paris. In 1984, he obtained the 1st departmental grand prize of the Trades of Art. And in 1986, he was awarded a Silver Lamp of Creation at the International Lighting Exhibition in Paris.
In the middle of the 1970s, Philippe Jean set up his workshop in Jouy in the Eure-et-Loir. In parallel to his activities as a designer, he creates sculptures.
He creates most of his sculptures in limited edition, generally in polished bronze, inspired by the great art foundries of his time. He also uses resin, lacquered metal and crystal.
The artist has also been recognized for his sculptures, he has exhibited in galleries in Europe and around the world: in New York, Los Angeles, Tokyo, Chicago, Sydney...
As a sculptor, Philippe Jean has received two notable awards: in 1979, he won the bronze medal at the Salon des Artistes Français. And the following year, he won the silver medal at the same show.
Philippe Jean died on June 19, 1987 in Jouy in the Eure-et-Loire.