Guy Peellaert
Guy Peellaert (6 April 1934 – 17 November 2008) was a Belgian artist, painter, illustrator, comic artist and photographer, most famous for the book Rock Dreams, and his
Biography
Peellaert was born into an aristocratic family, but left home at an early age. He studied fine arts in Brussels, and became heavily influenced by American and British pop culture, film noir and pulp literature, before making his debut as a decorator for theaters and comic strip artist.[2]
His style was influenced by
In 1973, he collaborated with British rock journalist Nik Cohn on the best-selling book Rock Dreams, which reportedly sold a million copies after it was published the following year.[1] The book consisted of Peellaert's visual illustrations which celebrated and exaggerated the rebel heritage of pop music and, particularly, rock and roll, with commentary by Cohn.[4] Many of the original artworks were bought by actor Jack Nicholson.[2]
After the success of Rock Dreams, Peellaert became perhaps best known for his rock album covers. He designed covers for
(Wandatta), and others.He painted in a very
Peellaert also created another painting for the Diamond Dogs album, which reproduces a photograph taken for the album by Terry O'Neill. It depicts Bowie in a cordobes hat, holding on to the leash of a leaping Mastiff dog. The painting placed the scene within a skyline of skyscrapers that fit within the album's theme of a future city.
The painting was intended for the inner gatefold of the Diamond Dogs album but was rejected for the same reason as Peellaert's other painting for the album, its depiction of the Mastiff's genitalia.
Instead, in 1974, when the Diamond Dogs album was first released, it was printed as a 17.5"x32", lithographic poster, by Mainman, the production company established in 1972 by David Bowie's manager, Tony Defries. It was only available for a few years by direct sale and only through Mainman's Bowie fan club. As such, the poster is quite rare and valuable. A copy is held in the collection of the New York City's Museum of Modern Art (object # 177.2012).
Peellaert also designed film posters for films like
Peellaert and Cohn collaborated again on 20th-Century Dreams in 1999, with illustrations of political and world historical figures.
His work has been exhibited internationally and magazines like Les Inrockuptibles, The Guardian and Vanity Fair have praised his work.
He died at the age of 74 of cancer.
Bibliography
- Jodelle, 1966 (English reprint by Fantagraphics in 2013)
- Pravda, 1968
- Rock Dreams, 1973
- The Big Room, 1986
References
- ^ a b c d Hunt, Ken (29 January 2009). "Guy Peellaert". The Guardian. Retrieved 21 March 2023.
- ^ a b [1] [dead link]
- ^ "Guy Peellaert". Lambiek.net.
- ^ "[[David Hepworth]], "Guy Peelaert – the man who invented rock and roll"". Archived from the original on 27 July 2011. Retrieved 5 January 2009.
External links
- Official website
- Lambiek Comiclopedia article about his career.
- Article at Cool French Comics about his comics series.
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Artists | |
| Other | |
