EROTICITY IN THE COMICS OF JEAN GIRO: A VISUAL AND CULTURAL ANALYSIS

Abstract

This article is dedicated to exploring the erotic aspects in the work of the renowned French comic artist Jean Giraud, known by the pseudonym Moebius. The aim of the study is to provide a comprehensive analysis of the specifics of erotic representation in his visual narratives, as well as to identify the impact of these motifs on the development of graphic art and comic culture. Methodologically, the study employs a complex approach combining tools of art criticism, cultural studies, and semiotic analysis. The author thoroughly examines the artistic techniques and methods Moebius used to create erotic content in his comics and illustrations. Special attention is given to such seminal works as«Le Bandard Fou», «Les Jardins d’Eros» and «Griffes D’Ange», which demonstrate the artist’s different approaches to depicting eroticism. The results of the study show that erotic motifs in Moebius’s art go beyond mere visual provocation. They serve as a means for in-depth exploration of human sexuality, desire, and identity in the context of deconstructing cultural norms and taboos. The analysis reveals a complex dynamic between eroticism and pornography in Moebius’s works, where explicit images are combined with high artistic value and conceptual depth. The scientific novelty of the work lies in a thorough examination of the influence of Moebius’s collaboration with Alejandro Jodorowsky on the development of erotic themes in his art. The author demonstrates how this creative synergy led to the emergence of more provocative and philosophically rich works, where eroticism became a tool for exploring deeper existential and metaphysical questions. The practical significance of the research lies in its contribution to a deeper understanding of the role of eroticism in graphic art and its potential as a means of artistic and intellectual expression. The results can be useful for further scientific research in the fields of art history, cultural studies, and visual studies, as well as for broadening the understanding of Jean Giraud’s work among a wider audience.