JulienBlaine
Biography
Julien Blaine (born Christian Poitevin, 1942, Rognac, France) is a French poet, visual artist, performer, and publisher renowned for his innovative contributions to experimental poetry and performance art. Blaine has been a prominent figure in "poésie action," a distinctive approach combining poetic language, physical performance, vocal experimentation, and visual imagery. Blaine's artistic journey began early; at age 20, he founded his first poetry magazine, Les Carnets de l’Octéor, signaling the start of a lasting engagement with avant-garde literary practices. His creative ventures often include unconventional performances, such as the notable Reps éléphant 306, in which he humorously interviewed a circus elephant—highlighting his interest in merging the absurd and profound. Throughout his career, Blaine has actively contributed to the publication and dissemination of experimental poetry. He established several significant literary magazines, including Approches, Robho, Geranonymo, and notably Doc(k)s in 1976, dedicated to chronicling contemporary and innovative poetic expressions. Blaine’s work has been exhibited and performed internationally, including at esteemed venues such as the Biennale de Paris (1967) and Centre Pompidou (1982), as well as numerous galleries and art centers across Europe and the United States. His art challenges conventional definitions of poetry, emphasizing the performative, visual, and physical dimensions of language. In 2005, Blaine publicly announced his retirement from active performance on his 60th birthday. Nevertheless, he remains an influential figure in contemporary art through ongoing exhibitions, conceptual presentations ("démonstr'actions"), and collaborations with fellow artists and musicians, continually pushing the boundaries and understanding of poetry, art, and performance.
