JEAN JACQUES PORRET

“Achieving a sense of “rightness”, even in the most uncertain circumstances, is the motivating concept behind my sculpture. The work is figurative but is not about the figure. I consider myself an expressionist, as I am more interested in communicating an abstract feeling or idea than an actual image. I use recognizable forms to evoke emotions and stimulate sensations.”

Jean-Jacques Porret, an award-winning artist, sculptor, and engineer, hails from Switzerland and grew up in a family of art and antique collectors. Surrounded by exquisite antiquities and artwork, his passion for art blossomed early, and as a teenager, he began carving wood. Specializing in creating three-dimensional works using the lost wax technique of casting bronze, Porret was drawn to bronze for its demanding nature and tactile qualities.

After obtaining an engineering degree, Porret ventured to New York, driven to learn English and establish a life on his own terms. This marked the beginning of his career, which eventually led him to Chicago. Driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge, Porret explored museums worldwide, absorbing inspiration and engaging with prominent artists of the time.

As an artist, Porret’s style and work have evolved over the years. Transitioning from a sharper to a softer expression of molten metal, his approach remains figurative yet transcends mere reproduction of the human form. Instead, he seeks to convey abstract feelings and ideas, using recognizable forms to evoke emotions and sensations. He identifies himself as an impressionist, with each sculpture imbued with depth and intensity, reflecting his artistic vision.