Jean-Jacques Debout : Following our own instinct
Successful performer and composer, Jean-Jacques Debout crosses the ages. Untiring, and known for being unfiltered, the artist has lived a thousand lives, rubbed shoulders with the greatest artists before they became icons, and forged unimaginable friendships. From Charlie Chaplin to Mick Jagger, from Jean-Paul Belmondo to Johnny Hallyday, or Marlene Dietrich, all have crossed his path and marked his life with incredible anecdotes, some of which he decided to share in his book “The Color of Ghosts” recently released by Talent Editions.
But, if he has always been fascinated by music and words, he is also fascinated by art in the broadest sense of the term, and particularly by photography, the opportunity for us to submit him to our questionnaire.
Instagram : jeanjacquesdebout
Your first photographic trigger ?
Jean-Jacques Debout : It was on the occasion of my holy communion, I was offered a small Kodak with bellows that I have always kept as a souvenir. Of course I do not use it any more. I keep wonderful memories with this camera. At the time I lived in Saint Mandé and I loved to go for walks near the lake to take pictures.
The man or woman of image who inspires you?
Jean-Jacques Debout : I have been friends with many talented photographers in my life. Among them Robert Doisneau who was my master. But there was also Sam Lévin who worked for Harcourt, Lucien Clergue who worked a lot with Cocteau, Sarah Moon who at the time we met was working with Jean Cacharel, Luc Fournol, Marc Hispard and of course Jean-Marie Périer who shot one of the images of me which made the cover of my book “The Color of Ghosts” that just came out.
What image would you like to have made?
Jean-Jacques Debout: The one in Banksy’s drawing of a little girl who sees her balloon fly away.
The one that moved you the most?
Jean-Jacques Debout: The one of the body of a 3 years old Syrian boy, who drowned in a shipwreck of migrants.
The one that made you angry?
Jean-Jacques Debout: This photo taken by Jeff Widener of the Associated Press on June 5, 1989, Tiananmen Square of this little man standing alone in front of a long and high column of armored vehicles. It still grips me just thinking about it.
A key image in your personal pantheon?
Jean-Jacques Debout: This image of Victor Hugo during his exile, seated on the rock of the Proscrits and taken by his son Charles.
and I would add this drawing by Jean Cocteau that represents a sailboat with two eyes that look at Monaco.
A photographic memory from your childhood?
Jean-Jacques Debout: The image of General de Gaulle making his speech on the BBC in London.
With no budget limit, what would be the work of art that you would dream of acquiring?
Jean-Jacques Debout: The small triumphal arch of the Carrousel.
According to you, what is the necessary quality to be a good photographer?
Jean-Jacques Debout: In my opinion, a good photographer is the one who knows how to capture a true moment instantly. He must therefore be instinctive.
The secret of the perfect image, if it exists?
Jean-Jacques Debout: What is perfection? My grandmother always told me: “To each his own bad taste”. A perfect image for me will not necessarily be perfect for others. The idea of the perfect image is therefore relative.
The person you would like to photograph?
Jean-Jacques Debout : The Virgin Mary.
An essential photo book?
Jean-Jacques Debout: Any of Man Ray’s books, which beautifully symbolized surrealism.
The one you use today ?
Jean-Jacques Debout: Always a Kodak. I am very loyal to the brand. And in general I always buy the latest one.
Your favorite drug?
Jean-Jacques Debout: Lemon sorbet.
What is the best way for you to disconnect?
Jean-Jacques Debout: To be able to lie down to clear my mind while listening to Jazz.
What is your relationship with the image?
Jean-Jacques Debout: It is constant, because wherever I am I spend my time detailing everything, because everything interests me.
And with your own image?
Jean-Jacques Debout: Inexistent. I am not my type of man, and I can’t stand to see myself in a mirror, nor to see myself in a photo.
Your greatest quality ?
Jean-Jacques Debout : Probably to not care about anything that doesn’t interest me.
Your latest folly?
Jean-Jacques Debout : To have bought an upright piano that sounds like a mandolin.
A picture to illustrate a new banknote?
Jean-Jacques Debout : The dove of peace by Picasso.
The job you would not have liked to do?
Jean-Jacques Debout : Military during a war. The idea of having to kill someone would be unbearable for me.
Your greatest professional extravagance?
Jean-Jacques Debout : Without a doubt, I started producing Chantal Goya’s shows. To have started from nothing to occupy the incredible space of the Palais des Congrès in Paris… All the producers at the time thought I was crazy.
The city, country or culture you dream of discovering?
Jean-Jacques Debout: Mexico City.
The place you never get tired of?
Jean-Jacques Debout : The gardens of the Palais Royal in Paris.
Your biggest regret?
Jean-Jacques Debout : Not to have been able to be Frank Sinatra.
Color or B&W ?
Jean-Jacques Debout : B&W
Daylight or artificial light ?
Jean-Jacques Debout : It depends of the season. In good weather it would be natural light, and in winter a little artificial light.
What do you think is the most photogenic city?
Jean-Jacques Debout : There are so many… and among them New-York of course. To arrive by the sea and see the Statue of Liberty is breathtaking. And then New York is a symbolic city that is the impossible dream of many.
If God existed, would you ask him to pose for you, or would you opt for a selfie with him?
Jean-Jacques Debout: I would definitely ask him to pose for me! And then we would chat.
If I could organize your ideal dinner, who would be at the table?
Jean-Jacques Debout : Charles Trénet, Jean-Paul Goude, Coluche, Marie Laforêt, Chantal Goya, Salvador Dali, Leonardo da Vinci, whom I would ask to preside over the table, and especially to come accompanied by Mona Lisa.
What is missing in today’s world?
Jean-Jacques Debout: There are people like Saint-Exupéry missing.
If you had to start all over again?
Jean-Jacques Debout : I would probably like to become a fisherman in the port of Sète.
The last word ?
Jean-Jacques Debout : You can’t take it with you when you go.
