Galerie gijsel Geneve
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jean krille

Jean Krillé: A Swiss Artist of Germanic Origin

 

Early Life and Artistic Training

Born in 1923 in Switzerland, Jean Krillé came from a family of Germanic descent. From an early age, his father, a writer and poet, introduced him to the world of art and culture. At just 16, he enrolled at the Zurich School of Fine Arts, then continued his studies at the School of Arts and Crafts in Vevey. The following year, he held his first solo exhibition while deepening his knowledge of art history at the University of Bern.

The Paris Years: An Artistic Launchpad

In 1945, Jean Krillé moved to Paris to refine his artistic skills at the National School of Fine Arts. He frequented the Saint-Germain-des-Prés district, a major intellectual hub at the time, where he met influential figures such as Prévert, Sartre, and Le Corbusier. Passionate about architecture, he also earned a diploma in this field, further honing his artistic precision.

A Diverse Early Career

Jean Krillé’s early works included book illustrations, lithographs, posters, as well as drawings and articles for the press. After stays in London and Munich, he took part in the restoration of historic monuments. In 1955, he opened his own architecture firm in Geneva but continued to focus primarily on painting.

A Traveler Fascinated by Africa

An avid traveler, Jean Krillé explored the world, but Africa captured his particular attention. In countries such as Ethiopia, Nigeria, South Africa, and Congo, he applied his talents as an architect, painter, and journalist. During the Biafra war, he also served as a delegate for a humanitarian organization.

America: A New Artistic Playground

In 1964, Jean Krillé moved to the United States, where he discovered an artistic freedom that distanced him from European conventions. He stayed long enough to earn the nickname “the American.” Between his stays in Switzerland and the US, he settled in Mont-sur-Rolle. His work, exhibited in numerous American museums, reflects his boundless creativity.

A Style Between Realism and Abstraction

Jean Krillé explored imaginary landscapes inspired by real elements. His works, at the boundary of abstraction, are distinguished by strong lines and vibrant colors. His expressive skies and still lifes evoke deep emotion. His floral compositions, rich in nuances, express a passionate love for color, while his portraits reveal sensitivity toward his subjects.

A Lasting Artistic Legacy

Jean Krillé leaves behind a simple yet powerful artistic message. His last major exhibition, held at the Musée de l’Athénée in Geneva in spring 1990, left a lasting impression through its diversity and play of colors. The artist passed away in 1991 and is buried in Mont-sur-Rolle cemetery overlooking Lake Geneva, where his work continues to resonate.

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TERMS OF SALE

  1. The sale is strictly cash-only, in Swiss francs, and without any warranty.

  2. During the exhibition days, visitors may submit a firm and binding purchase bid, placed in a designated box, which will be opened by a gallery staff member at the end of the exhibition or on our website after acknowledgment of these terms.

  3. The highest bid will secure the lot. The price of the lot is the amount of the highest bid.

  4. The buyer does not pay any additional fees; the price is VAT included.

  5. The exhibition allows buyers to inspect the condition of the lots; no claims will be accepted after the bids have been opened. For remote bids, detailed photos are available on the website.

  6. Risks and benefits pass to the buyer once the lots are allocated, and purchases are the full responsibility of the buyer. Ownership of the lot, however, only transfers once full payment has been received.

  7. Payment must be made in Swiss francs within 7 days of the bid opening. The bid opening occurs no later than the day after the end of the exhibition. In case of identical bids, buyers will be notified and may revise their offers.

  8. Lots must be collected at the buyer’s expense and risk. Except in the case of a purchase at the full price, no lot will be released before the end of the sale and before full payment. Items not collected within 7 days from the last day of the sale will be shipped to the buyer’s address at the buyer’s cost.

  9. Any disputes related to the sale shall be governed exclusively by Swiss law and under the jurisdiction of the courts of the Canton of Geneva, regardless of the parties’ place of residence.

Galerie Gijsel – Avenue Pictet de Rochemont 24 – 1207 Geneva
Contact: Email: aryana@galeriegijsel.com – WhatsApp: +41 79 529 99 23

PLEASE FILL OUT A SEPARATE FORM FOR EACH LOT

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