ABOUT

JeanPaul Paula (born 1986, Willemstad, Curaçao) is a multidisciplinary creative working as a creative director, stylist, photographer, director, performance artist, DJ, and creative agent. His work is deeply rooted in activism, with a strong focus on intersectionality, gender and sexuality, and chosen family. Whether in front of or behind the camera, JeanPaul has built a broad and diverse portfolio that reflects his commitment to pushing boundaries and creating space for underrepresented voices.

JeanPaul was part of the Milkshake Festival lineup from 2010 and played a pivotal role in shaping the identity of the festival over more than a decade. However, he has since cut ties with the organization due to its lack of transparency regarding its acquisition by KKR — an investment firm that has financially supported organizations connected to the IDF (Israel Defense Forces). This decision reflects JeanPaul’s unwavering ethical stance and alignment with human rights and justice movements.

As a music lover, his heart lies in R&B and Hip-Hop, both of which influence his curatorial and DJ practice.

JeanPaul has collaborated with major brands including Jean Paul Gaultier, Louboutin, Nike, Lacoste, Calvin Klein, and Fenty, and with internationally renowned artists such as FKA Twigs, Little Dragon, Mykki Blanco, Kali Uchis, Daniel Sannwald, and Miles Greenberg.

His visual and performance work has been exhibited in institutions such as the Palais de Tokyo (Paris), Kunstlinie (KAF) in Almere, Rembrandthuis, OSCAM, Foam Photography Museum (Amsterdam), Kunsthal (Rotterdam), and the Vogue Photo Festival (Milan).

As a creative director, JeanPaul has led projects with the Dutch National Opera & Ballet, and previously served as Head of Design and Creative Director at Daily Paper. In 2023, he launched JeanPaul Paula Management, an agency dedicated to managing and supporting LGBTQIA+ creatives of color. His current roster includes Rafik Opti, Xavira Latina, Beri Dalgali, Naëtt Mbaye, Patshuro, and Jordan Achiano.

JeanPaul remains deeply committed to both the Black Lives Matter and Trans Lives Matter movements, which continue to inform and inspire his artistic and professional journey.

CONTACT
CLIENTS

JeanPaul Gaultier, Cristian Louboutin, Calvin Klein, Nike, Daily Paper,Tommy Hilfiger, Dutch National Opera and Ballet, Patta, Vogue Italia, Carhartt, Converse, Lacoste Live, Ninamounah, HERMES, Kali Uchis, FKA twigs, Mykki Blanco, Little Dragon Miles Greenberg, Patta.
 

Exhibitions
 
KAF036 Almere – 2017

This My body… © Florian Joahn and JeanPaul Paula.
 
Foam Museum Amsterdam – 2018

Ya’ll better Quite down © Florian Joahn and JeanPaul Paula.
 
Vogue Photo Festival Milan – 2018

Clarify it hurts © Florian Joahn and JeanPaul Paula All That Man Is – Fashion and Masculinity Now.
 
Kunst Hal Rotterdam – 2019

© Florian Joahn and JeanPaul Paula Street Dreams: How Hip Hop Took Over Fashion, curated by Lee Stuart.
 
Rembrandt Huis Amsterdam – 2020

Too Black © Florian Joahn and JeanPaul Paula at HIER. Zwart in Rembrandts tijd Thank you Raul Balai and Brian Elstak.
 
OSCAM X PATTA Amsterdam – 2020

‘We are here forever. Do you understand?’ John’s baptism and Angel © JeanPaul Paula
 
Framer Framed, Amsterdam -2021

Nos Kultura – My dream bedroom The experiences of Curacaoan individual living in the colonizers backyard © JeanPaul Paula A Funeral for Street Culture curated by Rita Ouédraogo and Metro54.
 
JeanPaul Paula X Clavin Klein Amsterdam – 2021

Nos Kultura – My Defining moment The reconnection with my family Gay Pride © JeanPaul Paula.
 
JeanPaul Paula X Clavin Klein Paris – 2021

Nos Kultura – Phase 1 at 3537.og © JeanPaul Paula.
JeanPaul Paula X Clavin Klein Paris – 2021
 

Oscam Amsterdam – 2024
Beyond the Binary x Encourager © JeanPaul Paula.

 

Oscam Amsterdam – 2025
Beyond the Binary x Encourager © JeanPaul Paula.

 

Badi Palace Marrakech – 2025.
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