Zïlon

Dear friends,
To lovers of Zïlon,

It is with a heavy and broken heart that I announce the devastating loss of Raymond Pilon, a painter known worldwide by the name of Zïlon. Zïlon was not just an artist; he was a force of nature, an untamed icon of street art, and to me, a cherished friend and a deeply sensitive being who was skilled at hiding this side of himself behind the guise of the enfant terrible of pictorial art.

Zïlon was the father of Quebecois street art, an artistic movement that he initiated with a passion matched only by his boundless creativity. He saw a natural kinship between his work and that of Cocteau. His contribution to art recognized no boundaries, as evidenced by his numerous and diverse collaborations with major international brands and artists from around the world, and by his museum exhibitions.

This punk musician energy that he embodied from the early 80s, Zïlon never lost it. He carried within himself a worldview that allowed him to metabolize underground culture, popular culture, design, and social advocacy through his expression in street art and the creation of his own language, his own artistic signature. In the mid-80s, he had already created immersive environments in visual art. This artistic sensitivity, so distinctly Zïlon, will be profoundly missed.

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

The details regarding the circumstances of his death are not yet known. We thank you for respecting the privacy of his loved ones and friends at this time.

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

Vincent Beauchamp