Questioning the codes of Pop Culture and identity through neo-pop art
An exploration between introspection and provocation
I am a visual artist based in Paris and a freelance artistic instructor for children and teenagers, I create works that explore the intersections of Pop Culture, identity, and personal expression.
Through neo-pop painting series, I reinterpret established norms, celebrating the diversity and fluidity of contemporary identities. Inspired by alternative creative expressions and the queer movement—paying tribute to it without belonging to it—my portraits blend excess, subtle provocation, and emotional storytelling.
I work with acrylic paint, using flat areas of contrasting colors to push beyond the codes of Pop Art. This approach allows me to express the theatricality of emotions and reveal deeper narrative dimensions. My themes include provocation, sensuality, and identity, drawing inspiration from iconic queer figures like Prince Poppycock and club kid personalities such as Jackie Beat.
Collaborations with activist groups, such as the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, further enrich my artistic reflection, adding an engaged and inclusive dimension to my creations. By creating a dialogue between Pop Culture and gender studies, my works oscillate between tribute and transgression, inviting viewers to question societal norms and self-representation.
My artistic journey, marked by interruptions and rebirths, reflects a balance between fragility and strength, subtle poetry and visual intensity. Each painting tells a unique story, blending introspection with a celebration of difference.
EXHIBITIONS
2023
Art in the city - Palaiseau Town Hall
2022
Gal'art - Cloister of Sciences Po - Rennes
2021
The Journey - Bessie Smith Center, Paris
2020
Pop Art at the heart of your passions
Passy Plaza, Paris
2019
Celebration Act II - Simon Lefranc Center, Paris
WOW 40 years of habits - Harvey Milk Photo Center - San Francisco, USA - Collective exhibition
2017
Celebration Act I - La Bellevilloise, Paris
Paris Centre Artists' Fair - 3rd arrondissement Town Hall, Paris - Collective exhibition
Art-O-Rama Art Fair - Marseille - Collective exhibition
2016
3rd Sex - LGBT Center of Paris
3rd Sex - Pop Up Galerie de la Favela Chic, Paris
Through the Lens - Alliance Française of Boston and Cambridge, Boston, USA - Collective exhibition
Marses: Contemporary Amazons - Atelier Gustave, Paris - Collective exhibition
2015
Contempor Arte - Galleria d'Arte Mentana, Florence, Italy (collective exhibition)
Special issue - House of Intercultural Music and Arts, Paris
Through the Lens - Alliance Française of Boston and Cambridge, Boston, USA
2014
The Girly Show - Atelier Desidero, Paris
Light my fire - Studio Cassiopée, Paris
Art and Gourmet Food - Galerie le Cerisier, Paris (group exhibition)
SPOV . - Town Hall of the 16th arrondissement, Paris (collective exhibition)
Sosh Freestyle Cup - Marseille, France (collective exhibition)
2013
Homo Sex Piens - Funky Art Gallery, Oxford, UK
Contemporary Art Biennial - Fontenay-sous-Bois (group exhibition)
A single grain of rice - Galerie Métanoïa, Paris (group exhibition)
Painting Exhibition - Saint-Avold (group exhibition)
MEDIAS - COLLABORATIONS
Orpéa Group (2023)
Residence - Paris
DS Automobiles (2023)
Collaboration - DS Store, Chelles
Harvard University (2022)
Collaboration - Cambridge, USA
Range Magazine (2022)
Art and Gender: Discover Arty Jesse - Print Edition, USA
Tile Installer (2022)
Collaboration - Minneapolis, USA
Revue Pojar (2021)
Arty Jesse: Made in Paris - Digital Edition, France
NNC Magazine (2021)
Art and Gender - Print Edition, United Kingdom
Bluebee Magazine (2021)
Arty Jesse - Print Edition, United Kingdom
Perspectives of Teaching Language and Content (2021)
Book published by Yale University Press, USA
Metrosource Magazine NYC (2019)
Célébration - Digital Edition, USA
Gaypers (2019)
Célébration - Digital Edition, France
Qweek Magazine (2019)
Célébration - Interview with Arty Jesse - Print Edition, France
Le Petit Duc (2016)
Collaboration - Paris
Têtu (2016)
Interview with Jesse, Young Painter - Digital Edition, France
64' Le monde en français, TV5 Monde (2015)
Harvard: Je suis Charlie
Le Monde (2015)
Je suis Charlie integrates Harvard - Digital Edition
Yellow Rat Bastard (2015)
Collaboration - Lille, France
Toscana TV (2015)
Discovering Parisian Artist Jesse - Italy
High Star Madrid (2014)
Portrait of Jesse, Painter - Spain