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Jean Pigozzi
Jean Pigozzi
Jean Pigozzi
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Jean "Johnny" Pigozzi (born 1952), heir to the CEO of the automobile brand Simca, is an art collector, photographer and fashion designer. He lives in Geneva.[1][2]

Biography

[edit]

Pigozzi is a "French-born Italian".[3] He was born in Paris in 1952 and is the son of Henri Pigozzi, industry captain at the head of the Simca automobile (created by Fiat) brand from July 1935 to May 1963.[4] Pigozzi studied at Harvard University[5] before working for the Gaumont Film Company and 20th Century Fox.[4]

Art collection

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Pigozzi started collecting contemporary African art after visiting the show "Magiciens de la Terre" at the Pompidou Center and Grande Halle de la Villette in Paris in 1989. He has since assembled the world's largest private collection of contemporary African art, together with French curator André Magnin. It is known as the Contemporary African Art Collection (CAAC – the Pigozzi Collection (www.caacart.com), and is based in Geneva.[1][2] It doesn't have a permanent venue opened to the public, but has been exhibited in over sixty museums and art events around the world, such as the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston; the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco; the National Museum of African Art in Washington D.C.; the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain; the Pinacoteca Giovanni and Marella Agnelli in Turin, Italy; the Tate Modern in London; the Cartier Foundation in Paris, Paris, the Grand Palais in Paris, the Louis Vuitton Fondation in Paris, The MoMA in NY, The Venice Biennale, Venice, Documenta, Cassel, etc.

In 2006, he also started the JaPigozzi Collection of contemporary Japanese art (japigozzi.com) by young Japanese artists.[2]

In July 2019, Jean Pigozzi donated 45 contemporary African artworks to the MoMA by the following artists: Frédéric Bruly Bouabré, Jean Depara, Romuald Hazoumè, Seydou Keïta, Bodys Isek Kingelez, Abu Bakarr Mansaray, Moké, Ambroise Ngaimoko, Paramount Photographers Ltd, and Chéri Samba.

Photography

[edit]

Pigozzi began taking pictures age seven. Since then, he never stopped photographing everything around him, which meant friends, dogs, icebergs, himself and a great many celebrities. His first solo exhibition of photography was at Musée d’art moderne, Paris (1974). His photographs have since been shown worldwide.

Exhibitions

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  • 1974: Musée d’Art Moderne, Paris
  • 1980: Light Gallery, New York
  • 1991: A Short Visit to Planet Earth, Gagosian Gallery, New York
  • 2008: Pigozzi and the Paparazzi, Helmut Newton Foundation, Berlin
  • 2010: Rencontres d'Arles festival, France
  • 2010: Johnny Stop!, Gagosian Gallery, New York, 2010; Colette, Paris, 2010; SEM-ART Gallery, Monaco, 2012.
  • 2010: Clic Gallery, St. Barths
  • 2011: Pigozzi, STOP ! You're too close, Multimedia Art Museum, Moscow
  • 2012: Unseen International Art Fair, Galerie Alex Daniels-REFLEX, Amsterdam
  • 2013: Johnny's Diary - Photographies de Jean Pigozzi, Galerie du Jour, Agnesb, Paris
  • 2013: Photographs featured in a film short directed by Brett Ratner for Vanity Fair's 100th Anniversary.[6]
  • 2014: My World, Jean Pigozzi, Ullens Center for Contemporary Art, Beijing
  • 2016: Johnny's Pool, Jean Pigozzi, Gagosian Gallery, New York City, 2016; The Baker Museum, Naples, Florida, 2016; Galerie Gmurzynska, St. Moritz, Switzerland, 2017; Helmut Newton Foundation, Berlin, Germany,
  • 2017:Galerie Gmurzynska, St. Moritz (2017), and the Helmut Newton Foundation in Berlin.
  • 2018:Scai The Bathhouse, Tokyo (2018), Immagis Fine Art Photography, Munich, and Pilevneli Gallery, Istanbul

Fashion

[edit]

In 2007, Pigozzi created a clothing and accessories line featuring bright colors and prints called LimoLand, with the intention of designing clothing for those who “Live to Create”.[3] He is also the creative director of the brand.[7] As of 2010, LimoLine was sold in upscale department stores such as Bloomingdale's, Barneys New York, Bergdorf Goodman, and Nordstrom and had a boutique store in New York City.[3] Pigozzi draws the sketches and outsources the technical aspects of the design and creation of his line.[3]

Television show

[edit]
  • "My Friends call Me Johnny" (2014)[8] an interview program, debuted September 3, 2014 on Esquire Network.

Publications of photography books by Pigozzi

[edit]
  • A Short Visit to Planet Earth: Photographs. New York: Aperture, 1991. ISBN 0-89381-479-2.
  • Pigozzi's Journal of the Seventies. Doubleday, 1979. With an introduction by Jann Wenner. ISBN 978-0-385-15104-7.
  • Catalogue Deraisonne. Steidldangin, 2010. ISBN 978-3-86930-034-4.
  • Pool Party. Rizzoli, 2016. ISBN 978-0847849161.[2]
  • Me+Co, 2017, Damiani, ISBN 9788862085502
  • Charles and Saatchi: The Dogs, 2018, Damiani, ISBN 9788862085922
  • The 223 Most Important Men in My Life, 2019, Damiani, ISBN 9788862086714

Publications by others

[edit]
  • Arts of Africa: The Contemporary Collection of Jean Pigozzi. 2005. André Magnin. ISBN 88-7624-296-1.
  • African Art Now: Masterpieces from the Jean Pigozzi Collection. 2005. André Magnin; Alison De Lima Greene; Alvia Wardlaw; Thomas McEvilley. ISBN 1-85894-289-6.
  • Jean Pigozzi, dans la peau d'un collectionneur, Catherine Grenier, 2017, Flammarion, ISBN 2081413191
  • Les Initiés, Un choix d'oeuvres dans la collection d'art contemporain africain de Jean Pigozzi, 2017, Dilecta, Fondation Louis Vuitton, ISBN 2373720353

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Jean Pigozzi

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from Grokipedia
Jean Pigozzi (born 1952) is an Italian-French businessman, , and philanthropist renowned for amassing the world's largest private collection of contemporary , as well as for his decades-long documentation of elite social circles through . Born in to Italian parents, Pigozzi is the only son of Henri Théodore Pigozzi, the entrepreneur who founded the automobile company in the 1930s and built a substantial fortune before selling it to in 1963. After inheriting significant wealth, he pursued higher education at , earning a B.A. in 1974, before establishing himself as a venture capitalist focused on high-tech startups in , with notable investments including Square, founded by co-creator , and Hampton Creek, a plant-based food company. Pigozzi's passion for art collecting began in earnest in 1989 when he founded the Contemporary African Art Collection (CAAC), which now encompasses over 10,000 works by hundreds of artists from sub-Saharan Africa, including paintings, sculptures, photographs, and installations that highlight emerging talents often overlooked by mainstream markets. In 2008, he expanded his holdings with the JaPigozzi Collection, a pioneering assembly of contemporary Japanese art featuring young artists and innovative practices. His collections have been exhibited globally, including major surveys at the Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris and the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, underscoring his role in elevating African and Japanese contemporary art on the international stage. As a , Pigozzi has chronicled upper-class life since , using a to capture candid, diaristic images of friends, celebrities, and everyday absurdities in series such as Pigozzi & Co. (begun in the 1970s) and Johnny's Pool, which features portraits of luminaries like and lounging at his Cap d'Antibes villa. His work, exhibited at venues like the Leica Gallery in , predates the era and offers an insider's view of jet-set culture, blending humor, intimacy, and social observation. Pigozzi's philanthropic efforts center on art preservation and accessibility; in 2019, he donated 45 significant works from his CAAC to the (MoMA) in New York, bolstering its holdings in African . More recently, in 2024, he committed 1,688 pieces to the city of , , to establish a dedicated museum in the deconsecrated Saint-Roch chapel, which is currently under construction as of 2025, ensuring long-term public access to his collection while supporting cultural institutions in the region. Now residing primarily in with properties across , Pigozzi continues to bridge business, art, and social worlds, embodying a life of eclectic and creative investment.

Early Life

Family Background

Jean Pigozzi was born in 1952 in , , to Italian parents, making him a French-born Italian by heritage. As the only son of Henri Théodore Pigozzi and his wife, he grew up in a privileged environment shaped by his family's industrial legacy. His father, Henri Pigozzi, was a prominent entrepreneur originally from , , who founded the automobile company in the 1930s and served as its CEO until 1963. became a major player in the French , producing affordable cars and generating substantial family wealth that afforded Jean an early exposure to the business world. This industrial background not only provided financial security but also instilled in him a sense of entrepreneurial drive from a young age. Pigozzi spent his early years in , surrounded by the cultural and social circles of his parents' affluent network, before the family established a prominent residence at Villa Dorane in Cap d'Antibes, where his father built a renowned pool in 1953. As the heir to the Pigozzi fortune following his father's death in 1964, this inheritance later enabled his pursuits in art collecting, , and creative ventures, allowing him to cultivate a centered on cultural .

Education

Jean Pigozzi, born in in 1952 to a prominent Italian-French family, relocated to the in 1970 to pursue higher education, enabled by his family's considerable wealth from the automotive industry. He enrolled at that fall as a and remained there through his graduation. At Harvard, Pigozzi earned a degree in 1974, concentrating his studies in with a focus on film and photography. This program immersed him in creative disciplines, fostering his early passion for and exposing him to diverse international perspectives through the university's global academic community. During his undergraduate years, Pigozzi cultivated a keen interest in and the arts, frequently traveling to on weekends to visit museums and galleries, where he began seriously collecting contemporary works and honing his skills. These experiences at Harvard not only broadened his cultural horizons but also built valuable international networks that paved the way for opportunities following his graduation.

Professional Career

Film Industry

Following his graduation from Harvard University in 1974, where he studied visual and environmental studies, Jean Pigozzi first worked as a salesman at Technifil, a shopping cart manufacturing company run by his uncle Enrico Beretta, in . He then transitioned into the film industry by taking a position at the Gaumont Film Company in . Introduced to Gaumont's president, Nicolas Seydoux, by a Harvard acquaintance, Emmanuel , Pigozzi's entry into the company marked his initial professional foray into entertainment, leveraging his academic background to engage with film production and operations. In the mid-1970s, Pigozzi was assigned by Gaumont to work temporarily at 20th Century Fox in , where he spent five to six months facilitating exploratory talks for a potential merger or partnership between the two studios. His role involved supporting these international negotiations, drawing on his English proficiency and film knowledge, though his compensation was modest, reflecting his junior status in executive liaison capacities. This assignment immersed him in Hollywood's operational dynamics and provided early exposure to cross-border film business strategies. During his Los Angeles tenure, Pigozzi cultivated key industry connections, including meetings with influential figures like director , which helped solidify his network in the entertainment sector. These experiences at Gaumont and 20th Century Fox built his foundational expertise in film production and executive functions.

Business Ventures

Jean Pigozzi, a Harvard graduate, emerged as a prominent venture capitalist in the , leveraging his family's substantial wealth derived from the automobile empire founded by his father, Henri Pigozzi, which was sold to in 1963. This inheritance provided the capital for his early investments, including a notable $250,000 stake given to in 1977, marking the beginning of his foray into high-risk, high-reward opportunities. Throughout the 1980s and beyond, Pigozzi focused on high-tech investments, particularly in California-based startups, guided by mentors such as Intel co-founder and Apple co-founder , whom he credited as key influences in navigating the burgeoning sector. His portfolio diversified across sectors like , healthcare, and consumer goods, with representative investments including biotech firm dNovo and apparel SockSoho, demonstrating a strategy that balanced with market potential. These ventures underscored his approach to , often drawing parallels between the speculative nature of tech and other high-stakes endeavors. Based in , , Pigozzi established a strategic hub for his operations, facilitating global deal-making while maintaining a low-profile presence amid Europe's financial landscape. From this vantage, he managed a network of investments that capitalized on his early networking and family-backed resources, solidifying his reputation as a savvy, globe-trotting .

Photography

Beginnings

Jean Pigozzi began his photography practice at the age of seven, when he received a simple camera that sparked a lifelong passion for capturing images. Born in in 1952 to a wealthy family—his father, Henri Pigozzi, founded the automobile company, which provided early access to cameras and opportunities for travel—Pigozzi's initial foray into photography was supported by this privileged environment. His early subjects were intimate and everyday, focusing on family members, friends, and casual snapshots around , reflecting a diaristic approach to documenting his surroundings. These unpretentious images marked the beginnings of a hobby that evolved alongside his personal growth, as he honed his skills with basic equipment during his childhood and adolescence in the French capital. Pigozzi pursued studies in and at , graduating in 1974, which further solidified his interest in the medium. Shortly thereafter, he achieved his first professional milestone with a solo exhibition at the Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de , showcasing his emerging body of work to the public. This debut marked the transition from personal to recognized pursuit, setting the stage for his ongoing photographic endeavors.

Style and Subjects

Jean Pigozzi's photography is characterized by a candid, snapshot-style approach that captures intimate, unposed moments in everyday and social settings, often using a Leica camera with a wide-angle lens and flash for quick, spontaneous shots. This diaristic method emphasizes authenticity over staged glamour, reflecting his personal observations of upper-class life and social interactions. His primary subjects include close friends, prominent celebrities, and self-portraits, spanning over 60 years of documentation beginning in his adolescence. Friends such as , , and Diane von Furstenberg frequently appear in intimate scenes, alongside celebrities like , , and , often during casual encounters or pool parties in the South of France. Self-portraits form a significant recurring motif, evolving from early childhood experiments around age 10 or 11 to more elaborate compositions integrated into his social milieu. Pigozzi's work demonstrates an evolution toward self-representation, predating the digital era with analog "selfies" as early as 1972, such as his 1974 photograph with taken at Harvard. These images highlight humor and spontaneity, portraying personal life with playful elements like whimsical props or annotated captions, while underscoring his role as both observer and participant in the scenes he captures.

Art Collections

Contemporary African Art

Jean Pigozzi founded the Contemporary African Art Collection (CAAC) in 1989, shortly after attending the influential exhibition "Magiciens de la Terre" at the Centre Pompidou in Paris, which showcased global artistic perspectives and sparked his interest in contemporary African creativity. This pivotal encounter led Pigozzi, an Italian businessman, to begin acquiring works that highlight the vitality of African art in the post-independence era. The CAAC has grown into the world's largest private collection of contemporary , encompassing over 12,000 works—including paintings, sculptures, drawings, photographs, installations, and videos—by more than 160 artists from over 20 sub-Saharan African countries. Based in , , the collection is managed through the CAAC organization. While it currently lacks a permanent space, with works loaned to s worldwide, in 2024 Pigozzi committed 1,688 pieces to the city of , , to establish a dedicated in the deconsecrated Saint-Roch . The collection emphasizes post-colonial themes such as identity, , and cultural hybridity, often through innovative uses of everyday materials and . Prominent artists in the CAAC include Romuald Hazoumè from , known for his masquerade sculptures made from discarded objects that critique and tradition, and Frédéric Bruly Bouabré from Côte d'Ivoire, whose pictographic drawings explore universal knowledge and African cosmologies. In 2019, Pigozzi donated 45 significant works from the CAAC to the (MoMA) in New York, marking a major commitment to broadening global access to African contemporary art and establishing MoMA as a key institution in the field. This gift includes diverse pieces by artists such as Hazoumè, Bouabré, , and Seydou Keïta, spanning media and underscoring the collection's role in promoting underrepresented voices.

Contemporary Japanese Art

The JaPigozzi Collection, dedicated to contemporary , was founded by Jean Pigozzi in as a diversification from his longstanding focus on , motivated by the international acclaim achieved by the Contemporary African Art Collection (CAAC). This private endeavor highlights emerging talents in Japan's post-war art scene, prioritizing artists who blend traditional techniques with innovative expressions. The collection encompasses over 2,000 works by around 250 artists, the majority born between the mid-1970s and early 1990s, reflecting a commitment to capturing a pivotal generation of creators. These pieces span diverse media, including , , and , with an emphasis on academy-trained innovators who have undergone rigorous formal education at institutions. Notable figures include (b. 1940), known for provocative photographic explorations; (b. 1972), celebrated for vibrant, color-saturated imagery; and Kohei Nawa (b. 1975), whose sculptures manipulate surfaces through resin and beads to evoke sensory immersion. Housed in Geneva, Switzerland, where Pigozzi resides, the JaPigozzi Collection remains actively expanding through continued acquisitions, underscoring its role as a dynamic survey of contemporary Japanese creativity.

Fashion Design

LimoLand Brand Launch

In 2007, Jean Pigozzi launched LimoLand as a fashion and lifestyle brand specializing in menswear, investing $1.5 million of his own funds to create a line that catered to his vision of vibrant, casual attire for affluent men. The brand emerged from Pigozzi's frustration with the subdued palettes of traditional designer clothing, aiming instead to offer playful, colorful pieces that evoked joy and eccentricity for "rich old men" in their fifties. The LimoLand collections were deeply inspired by Pigozzi's personal style and the bold, of his , which often featured vivid hues and whimsical subjects from his travels and connections. Initial products included campy leisure items such as T-shirts printed with quirky patterns like global currency symbols on the "" shirt, rainbow-striped swimming trunks, polo shirts emblazoned with a LimoMan crest, and accessories like neon-hued totes, all emphasizing loose fits and eye-catching prints in purples, neons, and rainbows. These designs reflected a playful aesthetic influenced by Pigozzi's collections of African and Japanese , incorporating motifs that mirrored the exuberant, colorful compositions in his photographic work. For its debut, LimoLand relied on Pigozzi's extensive personal networks among wealthy and influential figures, such as and , to generate buzz and early sales. The brand's initial marketing emphasized pop-up concepts in elite boutiques across , , and New York, positioning the line as high-quality, fun apparel for creative and curious individuals seeking to inject personality into their wardrobes. This grassroots approach through select, high-end pop-ups allowed LimoLand to build an initial following tied to Pigozzi's jet-set lifestyle and artistic persona.

Brand Evolution and Sales

Following its launch in 2007, LimoLand expanded its distribution network significantly by 2010, securing placements in upscale retailers such as , in , and in . The brand also opened its flagship store in New York City's Meatpacking District that year, marking a key step in its commercialization efforts aimed at reaching a broader audience of affluent consumers seeking playful yet luxurious fashion. The product range diversified to include men's and women's apparel, accessories like bags, and home goods, all characterized by bold colors, vivid prints, and humorous motifs such as crowned animals or bearded figures that infused everyday items with wit and personality. This assortment reflected LimoLand's philosophy of accessible luxury, blending artistic flair with high-quality to appeal to "rich old men" and others tired of conventional, subdued styles, emphasizing fun and flair over formality. In the years following, LimoLand pursued further growth, including exclusive partnerships like a 2013 swimwear collaboration with that extended to both men's and women's lines. However, the brand encountered challenges in sustaining momentum, with ambitious plans for additional stores in , , and remaining unrealized. By the mid-2010s, operations scaled back notably; the New York flagship closed, and the brand shifted to limited collaborations, such as special-edition cameras with Leica in 2017, signaling a pivot away from full-scale retail expansion. No formal sale of the brand has been reported, leaving its commercial trajectory as one of initial vibrancy followed by contraction in the post-2010s fashion landscape.

Media and Public Engagements

Television Show

Jean Pigozzi ventured into television with the reality series My Friends Call Me Johnny, which premiered on September 3, 2014, on the Esquire Network. The eight-episode program, each running approximately 30 minutes, followed Pigozzi as he engaged in casual, unscripted conversations with high-profile friends and acquaintances, blending elements of a talk show and travelogue. Executive produced by Joel Silver through Silver Pictures Television, the series captured Pigozzi's jet-setting routine across global locations, often starting from his Geneva residence. The format emphasized Pigozzi's opulent lifestyle, featuring glimpses into his lavish homes, private jets, and social interactions with celebrities such as , , and . Episodes highlighted his art collection, with on-screen displays of contemporary African and Japanese works from his personal holdings, alongside references to his as a lens for viewing the world. These segments showcased celebrity friendships forged over decades, portraying Pigozzi's network as a key aspect of his existence. The series was designed to spotlight Pigozzi's eccentric personality and obsessive collecting habits, presenting him as a bon vivant who treats business and pleasure interchangeably, often avoiding traditional work hours. Through provocative questions and intimate settings, it aimed to reveal the behind-the-scenes world of an heir to an automotive fortune turned , , and collector, emphasizing his unpretentious yet privileged approach to life. In 2025, Pigozzi was the subject of the documentary I Am Curious Johnny, directed by Julien Temple, which premiered on November 4 on Max (formerly HBO Max). The film explores his life, art collections, , and celebrity friendships through interviews and archival material.

Philanthropy and Donations

In 2019, Jean Pigozzi donated 45 works of contemporary to the () in New York, marking the largest single gift of such artworks to the institution and significantly enhancing its holdings in this field. This transformative contribution included pieces by prominent artists from , aimed at broadening public access to underrepresented voices in . In September 2024, Pigozzi made an even more substantial pledge by donating 1,688 artworks from his Contemporary African Art Collection (CAAC) to the city of , , to establish the world's first museum dedicated exclusively to contemporary ; as of 2025, the museum is under construction in the deconsecrated Saint-Roch chapel. Beyond outright donations, Pigozzi has facilitated ongoing support for artists through extensive loans of works from his CAAC and JaPigozzi collections to major international institutions, enabling global exhibitions that spotlight emerging talents from and . For instance, pieces from the CAAC have been loaned to venues such as in and the in , fostering educational programs and artist residencies that promote cultural exchange. Similarly, the JaPigozzi collection, which features over 2,000 works by young Japanese artists, has been shared via loans for shows that highlight innovative practices in contemporary Asian art, aiding in the recognition of artists often overlooked in Western markets. Pigozzi's philanthropic efforts have played a pivotal role in elevating underrepresented contemporary art on the global stage, particularly by bridging private collections with public institutions to democratize access and encourage broader appreciation of diverse cultural narratives. Through these initiatives, he has not only preserved thousands of artworks but also empowered artists from and by providing platforms for visibility and sustained professional development.

Exhibitions

Photography Exhibitions

Jean Pigozzi's exhibitions have showcased his distinctive, candid style of capturing celebrities, friends, and everyday moments since his debut in the . His work often blends personal intimacy with a playful, snapshot aesthetic, reflecting his immersion in artistic and social circles. Over the decades, Pigozzi has presented solo and group shows internationally, emphasizing themes of proximity and spontaneity in his imagery. Pigozzi's first solo exhibition took place in 1974 at the Musée d’Art Moderne in , marking his entry into the public art scene with early photographs that highlighted his emerging approach to documentary-style portraiture. In 1991, Pigozzi exhibited at the in New York with the solo show A Short Visit to Planet Earth, featuring images from his travels and encounters, including portraits of figures like , which underscored his global, observational perspective. The exhibition ran from October 17 to November 15 and was a pivotal moment in introducing his to the American market. The 2016 traveling exhibition Johnny’s Pool presented a series of poolside photographs taken at Pigozzi's Cap d'Antibes villa, capturing relaxed moments with celebrities such as and . It debuted at in New York before touring to venues including the Leica Gallery in and the Baker Museum in , emphasizing Pigozzi's signature theme of informal celebrity portraiture. More recently, in 2025, Pigozzi's solo exhibition Autoportrait was held at Château La Coste in Le Puy-Sainte-Réparade, , from July 11 to September 7, displaying over 60 years of his self-portraits that trace the evolution of his self-presentation from youthful exuberance to reflective maturity. The show, housed in the Galerie des Anciens Chais, included a accompanying catalog published to document the works.

Collection Exhibitions

The Contemporary African Art Collection (CAAC), founded by Jean Pigozzi in 1989, has been featured in numerous exhibitions and loans worldwide since its inception, highlighting contemporary African artists through institutional collaborations rather than a dedicated permanent display space. The collection, based in , lacks a permanent venue, instead circulating works to promote visibility and scholarly engagement with African contemporary art. Significant early displays include "African Art Now: Masterpieces from the Jean Pigozzi Collection" at the , in 2005, which showcased paintings, sculptures, and photographs by 33 artists from 15 African countries, emphasizing the diversity of post-colonial expressions. That same year, "Arts of Africa: From Traditional Arts to the Contemporary Collection of Jean Pigozzi" at the Grimaldi Forum in juxtaposed historical and modern works to trace evolving African artistic narratives. In 2006, the presented "100% Africa," drawing over 100 pieces from the CAAC to explore urban and themes in , marking one of the collection's largest European loans at the time. More recent institutional shows continue this tradition of loans and partnerships. Since November 2023, select CAAC works have been on view at the Cité internationale de la langue française in Villers-Cotterêts, France, integrating contemporary African perspectives into discussions of cultural identity and language. An upcoming exhibition, "Ideas of Africa: Portraiture and Political Imagination," at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York from December 14, 2025, to July 25, 2026, will feature core pieces from Pigozzi's 2019 donation of 45 CAAC artworks to MoMA, alongside loans, to examine Pan-African solidarity through photography and portraiture. Similarly, the exhibition "Seydou Keïta: A Tactile Lens" at the Brooklyn Museum, on view from October 10, 2025, to May 17, 2026, includes nearly 275 works, with key loans from the CAAC highlighting the Malian photographer's influential studio portraits from the 1940s to 1960s. Works from the collection are also slated for display at the Fondation Cartier pour l'art contemporain in Paris starting in 2025 as part of "Exposition Générale," surveying four decades of the foundation's commissions and acquisitions. Pigozzi's JaPigozzi collection of contemporary Japanese art has seen more limited public exhibitions, primarily through digital and loan-based initiatives. In 2021, it was featured in the platform's "JAPIGOZZI: The Jean Pigozzi Collection of Contemporary Art," offering access to selected works and emphasizing playful, pop-influenced pieces by artists like . Additional loans from JaPigozzi have supported online projects and temporary displays at international venues, extending the collection's reach without a fixed institutional home.

Publications

Photography Books

Jean Pigozzi's photography books primarily document his through candid snapshots of friends, family, celebrities, and himself, often capturing the jet-set social scene of the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Beginning in the late with informal, diary-like publications that reflected his early experimental approach to visual storytelling, Pigozzi's output evolved into more refined, thematic volumes published by established presses in the and beyond, emphasizing self-portraits and intimate encounters. These works, self-published or issued through small independent publishers initially, transitioned to polished editions with major imprints like Damiani and Steidl, showcasing his Leica-shot images of upper-class life, travels, and cultural icons. One of Pigozzi's earliest photography books, Pigozzi's Journal of the Seventies (Doubleday, 1979), compiles candid photographs from the featuring prominent cultural figures such as , , and , presented as a visual diary of his social milieu. This volume, introduced by , captures spontaneous moments from parties and travels, establishing Pigozzi's signature style of unposed, diaristic imagery. It marked his shift from personal snapshots to a more structured publication, reflecting the vibrant, hedonistic atmosphere of the era. In 1991, Pigozzi released A Short Visit to Planet Earth (), a collection of color photographs accompanied by text from designer , depicting everyday scenes, landscapes, and people encountered during his global wanderings. The highlights Pigozzi's interest in the absurd and the ordinary, blending personal travelogues with observational humor, and represents an expansion from his 1970s focus on snapshots to broader humanistic themes. Pigozzi's photographic oeuvre advanced with Catalogue Déraisonné (Steidl, 2010), a comprehensive visual journal spanning decades of candid images of friends, family, and social antics, serving as both a personal archive and a satirical take on high-society life. The 400-page volume features off-the-cuff portraits and scenes, underscoring Pigozzi's obsessive documentation of his surroundings, and was praised for its irreverent, diary-like quality that defied traditional photographic catalogs. This book solidified his reputation for blending autobiography with cultural commentary through photography. Focusing on self-portraits, ME + CO: The Selfies 1972–2016 (Damiani, 2017) gathers over 40 years of Pigozzi's early selfies taken with celebrities including , , and , often pressing faces together in close-up compositions that predate digital selfie culture. The 168-page hardcover compiles these intimate, playful images as a pioneering exploration of self-representation in , highlighting Pigozzi's innovative use of the medium to capture personal connections. The theme of personal encounters continues in The 213 Most Important Men in My Life (Damiani, 2021), where Pigozzi annotates photographs of mentors and friends like and with handwritten memories, creating a narrative-driven portrait of male influences in his life. This 613-page evolves his snapshot style into a reflective , emphasizing emotional ties through visual and tying into his broader self-portraiture practice. Pigozzi's poolside snapshots are central to Pool Party: Sixty Years at the World's Most Famous Pool (Rizzoli, 2016), featuring over 100 unpublished images from the 1950s to the 2010s of celebrities lounging at his family's Villa Dorane in , including royals and rock stars in relaxed, sun-drenched settings. The book chronicles the evolution of his social from youthful observations to curated vignettes of and glamour. Most recently, the 2025 catalog Autoportrait, published in conjunction with Pigozzi's solo exhibition at Château La Coste (July 11–September 7, 2025), traces over 60 years of his self-portraits, from early adolescent experiments to mature reflections, presented as a comprehensive overview of his artistic practice in contemporary imagery. This volume delves into his unique approach to self-representation, featuring a large selection of works that highlight personal evolution and promotional ties to the exhibition.

Collection Catalogs and Books by Others

One of the earliest significant publications documenting Jean Pigozzi's Contemporary Collection (CAAC) is the catalog Arts of Africa: The Contemporary Collection of Jean Pigozzi, published by Skira in 2005 to accompany the at the Grimaldi Forum in . The volume, featuring an essay by curator André Magnin, highlights over 100 works from the collection, emphasizing the diversity and innovation in contemporary forms such as , , and installation. It traces the evolution of Pigozzi's acquisitions since 1989, positioning the CAAC as a pivotal resource for understanding postcolonial artistic expressions across . In the same year, African Art Now: Masterpieces from the Jean Pigozzi Collection, edited by André Magnin and published by Merrell, accompanied the exhibition at the . This 224-page catalog profiles 33 artists from 19 African countries, including paintings, photographs, and sculptures that reflect global influences on local traditions. Contributions from scholars like Alvia J. Wardlaw and Thomas McEvilley provide critical analysis, underscoring the collection's role in elevating contemporary on international stages. Ongoing digital initiatives by have further documented Pigozzi's collections, with the CAAC digitized in 2021 to offer virtual access to thousands of artworks. The platform features high-resolution images and narratives on artists from the CAAC, alongside the JaPigozzi Collection of contemporary , initiated in 2008 and made available online to highlight emerging talents. These projects, developed in collaboration with Pigozzi, enable global exploration of the collections' themes of cultural hybridity and innovation without physical access. Third-party publications have also analyzed Pigozzi's approach to collecting, such as essays in The Collecting Life, which includes interviews detailing his inspirations from the 1989 Magiciens de la Terre and the formation of the CAAC. More recently, the 2025 catalog for Ideas of Africa: Portraiture and Political Imagination at the (), New York, incorporates works from Pigozzi's collection to explore photographic portraiture and transnational solidarity in . Organized by Oluremi C. Onabanjo, the catalog examines how these pieces challenge political narratives and identity, drawing on Pigozzi's donations to MoMA's holdings.

References

  1. https://gagosian.com/artists/jean-pigozzi/
  2. https://www.caacart.com/
  3. https://www.thegentlemansjournal.com/article/my-friends-call-me-johnny-at-home-with-jean-pigozzi-tech-investor-art-collector-and-the-worlds-best-connected-man/
  4. https://www.artsy.net/article/artsy-editorial-inside-the-world-of-jean-pigozzi-the-tech
  5. http://www.jeanpigozzi.com/docs/Lunch-with-the-FT-Jean-Pigozzi.pdf
  6. https://news.artnet.com/art-world/jean-pigozzi-museum-cannes-2150617
  7. https://artsandculture.google.com/project/what-s-new
  8. https://www.amazon.com/African-Art-Now-Masterpieces-Collection/dp/1858942896
  9. https://leicagalleryla.com/gallery-view/jean-pigozzi-johnnys-pool/
  10. https://www.vanityfair.com/style/2017/09/jean-pigozzi-undisputed-king-of-the-celebrity-selfie
  11. https://artafricamagazine.org/jean-pigozzi-donates-contemporary-african-art-to-moma/
  12. https://riviera-buzz.com/features/arts-culture/jean-pigozzi-donates-landmark-collection-of-contemporary-african-art-to-cannes.html
  13. https://www.facebook.com/100077420960887/posts/17th-october-2025-romaobonganwan-barbara-etim-james-and-friends-at-the-rome-film/853983677192323/
  14. https://www.vanityfair.com/style/story/jean-pigozzi-celebrity-selfie-documentary
  15. https://jean-pigozzi.com/
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  17. https://www.superyachtfan.com/yacht/my-brother-brancusi/owner/
  18. https://www.wsj.com/articles/welcome-to-jean-pigozzis-pool-party-1458580780
  19. https://news.artnet.com/art-world/jean-pigozzi-gmurzynska-pool-party-826913
  20. https://www.wsj.com/articles/a-day-in-the-life-of-jean-pigozzi-1409777070
  21. https://www.townandcountrymag.com/leisure/arts-and-culture/a4418/jean-pigozzi-profile/
  22. https://www.damianibooks.com/en/collections/pigozzi-jean
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  25. https://www.edge.org/memberbio/jean_pigozzi
  26. https://juddtully.net/articles/the-unstoppable-jean-pignozzi/
  27. https://pitchbook.com/profiles/investor/109333-54
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  29. https://ucca.org.cn/en/program/jean-pigozzi-my-world-photo-exhibition/
  30. https://www.gmurzynska.com/exhibitions/jean-pigozzi/press-release
  31. https://en.gallery-kaikaikiki.com/2018/05/jean-pigozzi-charles-and-saatchi-the-dogs/
  32. https://press.moma.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/MoMA-Pigozzi-gift_FINAL-4.pdf
  33. https://www.caacart.com/about/
  34. https://artsandculture.google.com/partner/contemporary-african-art-collection-the-jean-pigozzi-collection
  35. https://www.facebook.com/groups/446989248666202/posts/25481593908112390/
  36. https://www.guggenheim-bilbao.eus/en/exhibitions/100-africa-2
  37. https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/museum-of-modern-art-pigozzi-collection-gift-13009/
  38. https://www.japigozzicollection.com/
  39. https://artsandculture.google.com/partner/japigozzi-collection
  40. https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2010-11-24/limoland-johnny-pigozzis-fashion-pitch-to-old-rich-men
  41. https://www.interviewmagazine.com/fashion/jean-pigozzi-limoland
  42. https://wwd.com/fashion-news/ready-to-wear/feature/limoland-opens-store-in-meatpacking-district-3197778-1290805/
  43. https://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/07/fashion/07CRITIC.html
  44. https://wwd.com/fashion-news/fashion-scoops/diving-in-6921769/
  45. https://www.timeout.com/newyork/shopping/limoland-closed
  46. https://leica-camera.com/en-US/Company/Press-Centre/Press-Releases/2017/Press-Release-Leica-Camera-AG-presents-the-%25E2%2580%2598LimoLand-by-Jean-Pigozzi%25E2%2580%2599-special-edition-of-the-Leica-SOFORT
  47. https://variety.com/2014/tv/reviews/tv-review-my-friends-call-me-johnny-1201287203/
  48. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3874652/episodes/
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  53. https://www.gazette-drouot.com/en/article/jean-pigozzi-offers-his-collection-of-contemporary-african/63931
  54. https://artisnaples.org/baker-museum/exhibitions/2016-17/johnnys-pool
  55. https://gagosian.com/exhibitions/1991/jean-pigozzi-a-short-visit-to-planet-earth/
  56. https://gagosian.com/exhibitions/2016/jean-pigozzi-johnnys-pool/
  57. https://www.luxuo.com/culture/art/frances-cultural-powerhouses-lead-the-world-of-art-in-2025.html
  58. https://aix-en-provence.love-spots.com/en/events/exhibitions/20018-jean-pigozzi-self-portraits.html
  59. https://boutique-art-chateau-la-coste.com/en/books/jean-pigozzi-autoportrait.html
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  63. https://www.caacart.com/exposition/ideas-of-africa-portraiture-and-political-imagination-moma-ny/
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  83. https://www.instagram.com/p/CNF2qCYlxAw/
  84. https://press.moma.org/exhibition/ideas-of-africa/
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