Rebus

The first thing to notice about this large-format book is its spectacular red gilt edges. The book is so highly designed as to have typeface too minuscule to read. No matter, since the self-indulgent text does not add insight to the images by the graphic illustrator-turned fine artist. Jean is under heavy influence from Francis Bacon, Hieronymus Bosch, Margaret Keane, and Japanese anime. When not finding themselves in disturbing situations, children and young women are overtaken by a dizzying array of organic matter, rendered in exacting detail. It can be both hypnotic and overwhelming. Known for his album covers, this boy wonder (he's barely 30 ) wants to be taken seriously for his painting and fine art. "The work in Kindling was a bridge over which I could leave commercial work behind to pursue my personal art practice," he writes of his first solo gallery show. Yet the most interesting sections of this book show the wallpaper that Jean designed for two different Prada stores. Each tells a different story, which is magical in the illustration, but tedious when described in the artist's own words. Like high fashion, Jean's work can't help having a commercial edge, and that's what makes it intriguing. It is pure spectacle, and so derivative as to be singular. (Oct.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.