James Jean retired, then didn’t really retire at all. In a similar vein of Michael Jordan, who retired from one phase of his career only to return stronger and more well-equipped to dominate once again, Jean left the illustration world behind in 2008, redefining himself as one of the most talented and intriguing fine artists of his generation. On the eve of perhaps the biggest show of his career, Parallel Lives, opening at Tilton Gallery in NYC on January 9, Jean is, once again, at a crossroads.

























