Jean-Pierre Rives, the artist who played rugby

Jean-Pierre Rives, an artist turned rugby player

With all due respect, we open our blog's art and rugby section with an article on Jean-Pierre Rives' current news. Jean-Pierre Rives dreamed of studying fine arts, but his sports teacher decided otherwise. While accidentally crashing through a window during a high school sports session, his teacher told him: you're a strapping lad, you'll play rugby. Destiny is as simple as a broken glass. This is how the man who would become a global rugby legend began his career, almost by misunderstanding. Under the benevolent eye of Roger Couderc, who gave him his nickname, "Casque d'or" (Golden Helmet) would become an international rugby star. Leading his team in a legendary epic, he faced many opponents and won many beautiful battles, including the 1977 Grand Slam. The myth was born, the artist on the field took precedence over the sculptor and painter.

From sports legend to international artist sought after by collectors

Jean-Pierre Rives temporarily left France to live his American dream, but also, perhaps, to prove to himself that the artist who had always been in him was capable of stepping outside the rugby furrows in which the French spirit kept him. It was a winning bet; his notoriety in the United States was built on his talent as a sculptor and not on his sporting performances. Quickly sought after by collectors, he became a must-have artist. His work is exhibited worldwide, from Central Park to Shanghai, via Sydney, Cape Town, and Dubai, Rives' sculptures reign and sit enthroned in landscapes at the end of the world. The only artist to have exhibited in the Luxembourg Gardens during his lifetime with Rodin in 1982, major works punctuate his journey, including a magnificent IPN sculpture "Les rubans de la mémoire" (The Ribbons of Memory), installed, as a symbol, in front of the Stade de France.

From brutalism to geometric abstraction

Back in France and still very discreet, the former student of Féraud and Kijno has been preparing a colorful comeback for three years. The suffering and struggle of brutalism give way to the meticulousness and patience of geometric abstraction. Is this the new way the artist has found to channel his ever-overflowing creative energy? Undoubtedly, a more peaceful way to deliver a new message. Discover his creations on his online gallery.

A message of love, fraternity and light

Jean-Pierre Rives wishes to use his art as a means of expression to deliver a message of love, freedom, and fraternity. A joyful message found in colorful paintings that combine colors as a message of fraternity. This is precisely the title of his work "Homage to the fraternity of the world and to hope," this work which will be presented as a universal message of peace during the inauguration ceremony of the Rugby World Cup in Paris in 2023. Initially, the work was to be projected as mapping on the stadium, but the time of day, when it is still too bright, does not allow it. We do not yet know what form the presentation of the work will take, but as Jean-Pierre says, sport feels alone if it is not accompanied by a cultural and philosophical dimension.

A golden helmet, golden fingers that remain accessible

Jean-Pierre Rives' works command high prices, yet the artist wants to remain close to those who have always loved him and vice versa. Even if it will always be too expensive for some, Jean-Pierre has made a point of developing a special series on the theme of the rooster. On his online site proud as a rooster you can find lithographs at affordable prices. You can even request a dedication or personalization by email.

A collection at Religion Rugby

Religion Rugby, a men's clothing brand inspired by rugby, regularly collaborates with artists and also creates collections around legends. Jean-Pierre has the specificity of being a legendary artist. It needed a collection to match him, which is why in September 2023, an unprecedented collection will be released, made from fragments of his original work which will be presented during the World Cup. A polo shirt titled "Liberté" (Freedom) is already available on our online rugby store.

Exhibitions and other projects for Jean-Pierre Rives

You can follow the artist's news on his blog. 2023 will be an exceptional year for rugby and for one of its sacred sons. You will undoubtedly have the opportunity to discover Jean-Pierre's new works and, who knows, perhaps meet him. The geometric abstractions, already highly anticipated by collectors, will be available in April after their official presentation in Monaco at the Automobile Museum during a private preview under the high patronage of Prince Albert II of Monaco.