José Jeuland: Visual Artist Taking it to the Streets

José Jeuland is an exceptional Singapore-based visual artist who knows how to captivate audiences with his unique street art style. With his talent and passion, he takes his art to the streets, leaving a lasting impression on anyone who encounters his work. José’s dedication to his craft shines through in every piece he creates, ensuring that his art resonates deeply with viewers. Get ready to be inspired and amazed as José Jeuland brings art to life in the most unexpected and impactful ways. From Bangkok to Cambodia to San Francisco, his images tell a story. Here are some highlights from my interview with José Jeuland.

Who is José Jeuland?

José was born and raised in Brittany, France, before moving to the United States of America. A firm believer in chasing his passion, José Jeuland has embarked on an atypical journey. He started his career as a professional triathlete at the age of 25, where he took part in international competitions. This life of globe-trotting during his triathlete days kick-started José’s professional photography journey and an appetite for documenting lesser-known cultures worldwide. His social-relational skills, his curious and benevolent gaze on the world led him to form invaluable connections with people from diverse walks of life.

His craft is largely dominated by portraits of human beings, of all conditions, cultures, and ages. His wealth of experiences has honed in him a highly creative vision, a sensory acuity of rare intensity, and a keen perception of everyday moments and emotions. With a distinct style of having subjects look straight into the lens, his photographs compel audiences to feel a direct connection and strong emotions, almost as if the subjects have been brought to life. He also always seeks to objectively portray his subjects with equality and accuracy, instead of casting subjective judgment on his subjects.

José’s First Independent Documentary Project: Landing in Jeju Island 

In 2016 the Haenyeo Women Divers of Jeju Island inspired him to produce and curate a successful photography exhibition which was widely featured in various international publications. These portraits were also showcased on stage during the iconic Irish rock band U2’s concert in Seoul, where they shared a tribute dedicated to powerful women in Korean history.

People are his greatest muse.

Their stories, their diversity, and the ever-evolving landscape of commercial photography all stir my creative spirit.

His thoughts on what makes one photograph stand out from the next…

It is a mix of elements. A great photo has a well-thought-out composition, an intriguing subject, and it should tell a story that tugs at your heartstrings.

His favorite type of photography, not that simple.

I started with documentary photography, which is my first love and holds a special place in my heart. But lately, I have been exploring the world of commercial and fashion photography, which excites me.

His evolution…

My growth as a photographer encompasses various aspects. I immerse myself in photography exhibitions, engage with magazines and photobooks, and draw inspiration from movies. To evolve technically and creatively, I dedicate myself to continuous improvement, push my boundaries, and engage in introspective self-critique. Collaboration with a talented team is also integral to my commercial success, and I am committed to enhancing my communication efforts to convey my vision.

The thing he wished he knew when he started his photographic journey…

One thing I truly wish I had when I first began my photography journey is the chance to work as an assistant alongside a highly skilled commercial photographer. The opportunity to learn and gain exposure in that way would have accelerated my growth. Nevertheless, I have embraced the path of self-learning and continuous improvement, and I’m still on that enriching journey.

The photographs that have influenced his work…

He says he’s been profoundly inspired by, “The works of photographers such as David LaChapelle, Steve McCurry, Peter Lindbergh, and Bruce Gilden, among others.”

His favorite work…

“While I cherish many, some of my most treasured pieces are from my documentary series, particularly my ‘Haenyeo’ project. However, I am equally proud of my accomplishments in commercial photography, such as the Adidas photoshoot. I anticipate that fashion photography will play a more substantial role in my portfolio in the years ahead.”

Where is José now?

Singapore has been José’s home since getting married in 2016. He manages COCO Creative Studio where he ventures into the fields of commercial photography and video directing, working tirelessly to ensure the quality of his photography and print photographs. Furthering his love for sharing the world through his lenses, he also conducts photography workshops to develop the potential of creative minds.

Thank you José for sharing your artist journey with us! To view José’s work or purchase his prints, postcards or books visit josejeuland.com.