Zïlon

It is with a heavy and broken heart that I announce the devastating loss of Raymond Pilon, painter known throughout the world as Zïlon. Zïlon was not only an artist; he was a force of nature, an indomitable icon of street art, and for me, a dear friend and a deeply sensitive being who knew how to hide this side of himself behind this enfant terrible character of pictorial art.

Zïlon was the father of Quebec street art, an artistic movement that he initiated with a passion matched only by his endless creativity. He saw a natural relationship between his work and that of Cocteau's works. His contribution to art knew no boundaries, as evidenced by his numerous and diverse collaborations with major international brands and artists across the world, as well as museum exhibitions.

This energy of a punk musician from the early 80s, Zïlon has never lost it. He carried within him a vision of the world allowing him to metabolize underground culture, popular culture, design and social demands by expressing himself in street art and creating his own language, his own artistic signature. In the middle of the 80s he had already created immersive environments in visual art. This artistic sensibility, so distinctly Zïlon, will be deeply missed.

Today we lose a creator, an innovator and a rebel, an artist who always knew how to mark his time and continued to inspire generations to come. He was currently preparing a new series entitled "VANDALE DE LUXE II" in addition to preparing a collaboration of some works with the painter Patrick Pépin. We were expecting him next week in Quebec to come and work in the workshop on these two projects. The preparation of a book was also in his plans. These unfinished projects will remain, like Zïlon himself, as a testimony to his inexhaustible creative energy.

Details regarding the circumstances of his death are not yet known. We thank you for respecting the privacy of loved ones and friends.

Thank you Mr. Zzzz. Thank you for accepting me into your world and for your kindness towards the gallery team and my family. I already miss you deeply.

Vincent Beauchamp