Rico the Zombie
Rick Genest, better known as Zombie Boy, has always drawn people’s attention. His body art aesthetics encompass it all; they are all at once significant, inspiring, and shocking. But how did he first capture the attention of the fashion industry? Nicola Formichetti, accomplished fashion director, editor, and frequent stylist for Lady Gaga, noticed Genest and brought him to the extraordinary fashion house of Thierry Mugler, which is where the fascination really took hold.
Genest is one of the most celebrated models working the current fashion circuit. Nevertheless, he is sincere and extremely down to earth while discussing his success. He enjoys life and everything it grants. We caught up with Genest by telephone in Zurich, Switzerland, and talked with the notorious Zombie Boy during the wee hours of the morning about his fame, his fortune, and his future.
Julija: How did your world change when you became famous?
Rick: Well, some things stayed the same. My nomadic lifestyle already had me living out of my backpack, working odd jobs, meeting cool people, as well as often [being] stopped and photographed. That has not changed. What changed was [how] the masses reacted to me. Prior, I had my place among those who understood me; I had the luxury of privacy. Now I often feel that every person either has a question or an opinion, [even] about the way I breathe.
Julija: Do you find great pleasure in your work?
Rick: I love and take pride in giving what comes from my heart. Like any job, some days are brighter than others, but I always count my blessings.
Julija: What are the downsides of your career?
Rick: None easily come to mind!
Julija: Where do you feel art is going? How do you see your role as an artist?
Rick: I am very happy to see art becoming more accepted, as well as other growing tolerances in many aspects of today’s society. I feel that my role is to help this generation think outside to box, to embrace bravery, and control their lives.
Julija: What forms of art do you like besides body art?
Rick: I’m in love with all positive forms of creativity. As a seed needs soil to beget fruit from a tree, a brush is needed to paint color on canvas to create a full picture.
Julija: If you had to start again, would you create the same tattoos?
Rick: It is difficult to see my life unfold differently.
Julija: When traveling to different countries, have you found any special places where you want to return? Tell us about them.
Rick: As beautiful as the world is, I always miss home [in Montreal, Canada] with my own, where I am [most] familiar and soulful.
Julija: What projects are you currently working on?
Rick: I just did my second guest appearance on the Food Network show, Bitchin’ Kitchen. I am currently in Zurich working on an endorsement contract. I also appear in Zurich at clubs where I give a hand to the DJs. DJ’ing is new for me, but I really enjoy it. I attended New York Fashion Week and appeared in and red carpeted some cool shows. I am also working on a new film project with director Steep Daniels for his NEON Americana series. Later this month I will be heading back to New York for a cover shoot with Rebel Ink. October is a really busy month with amazing projects that will take me to London, Vienna, St. Petersburg, Moscow, and Tel Aviv. Things are rockin’.
Julija: Could you mention a few projects that are slated for the near future?
Rick: I will be in Los Angeles in October for my first lead role in a live production called Hellbreak directed by Michael McQuarn. During some “dark days” I’ll be in Vienna for a guest appearance on Austria’s Next Top Model. In November I will be working with one of the greatest iconic rapper/hip hop artists to become the face of their brand in Europe, so I’m very excited.
Julija: Who has been most pleasurable to work with?
Rick: Recently Sean Ross, a model from New York was fun to work with on our cover shoot and in shows for Berlin Fashion Week. Recently we did a dope shoot styled by the iconic Ty-Ron Mayes, which was shot by my manager, Colin Singer. We are spreading the fun! And of course Lady Gaga, who despite her work schedule is fascinating and very cool. Nicola Formichetti is a class act.
Julija: What is an ordinary day like for you when you’re not flying anywhere or doing a photo shoot?
Rick: I enjoy sharing laughs with my friends around the fire or at shows. As well, I like watching movies, zipping out on my bike, designing and sewing, and listening to music.
Julija: What surprises you?
Rick: How often people can look too hard for answers when things can be so simple.
Julija: Where do you see yourself in five years?
Rick: I would love to be acting in movies, and after work, hanging among fellow misfits around a campfire.
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Photography by Matt Barnes
It should come as no surprise that Rick Genest's favorite section of the newspaper is the obituaries.
Having tattooed himself into a living corpse complete with flesh eating parasites, Zombie Boy quite frankly doesn't seem to be afraid of death, or insects for that matter.
But the world simply can't be normal after one takes their skin and inks their living canvas to depict life after death.
In his words, this is an interview with a zombie. A fashionable one at that.
From rags to riches is basically your story. How many couture designer suits have you kept from the runway?
I cannot recall for certain but there have been a few nice pieces from our fashion work.
How has this level of success changed you as a person? Are you ready for more?
Well, I would have to say that I am still very far from my planned goal. I would love to excel in acting, as well as perform in carnivals and freak shows. I always loved horror, and one day wish to make a living in this domain.
Who’s idea was the zombie transformation?
Well, the idea was either my grandmothers or the mailman's; the details of that bikini party are shady at best.
Was there ever a point where you have been scared of what you’ve done to yourself and your body?
Absolutely not! I worked very hard at achieving this goal for over a decade. Whether under the needle, knife, roof, the sun or the moon; this project has been my lifelong ticket to the big tent.
Do you feel more vulnerable or human wearing your inside on the outside?
In all honesty, I see it for what it is; Ink. As paint is to a brush on canvas. Should there be an irrational fear of artistic creation? Rather I feel developed and consequently more experienced than vulnerable.
What is the theme of your body art?
My body art depicts anarchy. As an anarchist, there is a call for revolution. The first stage of a revolution is defiance. Appearing to be dead while alive defies the very laws of nature itself.
To the punk community you want to say “what” about how you’re still a Montreal street punk even though you’re rocking the fashion world
Well, I would have to say that punk is mind state and not a place. I’ve also been to the beach and still felt as the same person. Even more, I have always liked to be described as an artist, philosopher or freak.
Describe your ideal girlfriend. Is she heavily tattooed and modified or the girl next door?
Well, she is most beautiful, fun loving, thoughtful of others, loves animals and happiest when chomping on egg sandwiches.
Some people see body art as a lifetime journey not a destination. Now that you’re basically fully tattooed and have reached that destination, what journeys do you hope lie ahead?
As a bonified geek and faquir, I wish to continue to develop my persona through greater acting and performing.
What makes you happiest in life?
What makes me happiest in life is love. When one fights for good things, freedom and other sincerities follow.
Do you want to be perceived as approachable?
Some what; maybe not by lions or bears…
Live for the moment or plan ahead. Which one fits you best?
Both, but never astray from your righteous path, for we live in the eternal present; that is the way of the samurai.
Favorite section in the newspaper:
The obituaries.
The world would be a better place if everybody would just__________ (fill in the blank)
Pizza party
Don’t ever sit next to me on the bus and ask me this……
Who’s driving this thing?
After seeing yourself fully covered up with no tattoos for the making of the Dermablend commercial, was there ever a moment (however brief) you wished you could stay that way?
…na.
By Jodie Michalak, About.com Guide
http://tattoo.about.com/od/featuredartists/a/Interview-Zombie.htm
On Saturday, the 8th of September, Rico the Zombie will be in the biggest tattoo & piercing store in Zürich Switzerland at Löwenstrasse 22, 8001 Zürich.
He'll be there from 12:00 to 16:00 for photos and autographs.
In the evening Rico will join the VIP opening afterparty at Giahi, Löwenstrasse 22, 8001 Zürich from 22:00 until 04:00 o clock.
http://www.priveclub.ch/
An der Löwenstrasse in Zürich steht das schweizweit grösste Tattoo-Studio. Nach einem Totalumbau präsentiert sich die Filiale von Giahi Tattoo & Piercing in einem komplett neuen Look – und wird somit zum grössten Studio Europas. An der Eröffnungsfeier am 8. September zeigt sich ein internationaler Star: Kanadier Rick Genest alias Zombie Boy stattet der Filiale einen Besuch ab.
Seit rund 13 Jahren ist Giahi Tattoo & Piercing die Anlaufstelle für modernen Körperkult. Mittlerweile kann Mann und Frau sich in vier Giahi-Filialen in Zürich auf rund 800 Quadratmetern unter die Nadel legen. Der Flagship Store an der Löwenstrasse war bisher das grösste Tattoo-Studio der Schweiz. Eine Rundum-Renovation lässt die Filiale nun in neuem Glanz erstrahlen. „Ich möchte meinen Kunden stets das Beste bieten, deshalb haben wir uns ein Facelifting gegönnt. Jede Etage widmet sich einem anderen Aspekt der Körperkunst“, so Inhaberin Giada Ilardo. Highlight ist die Erweiterung durch eine fünfte Etage – der “Himmel“ gewährt einen spektakulären Blick über die Dächer von Zürich. Durch diesen Ausbau ist die Filiale auf rund 530 Quadratmeter gewachsen und somit zum grössten Tattoo-Studio Europas geworden.
Eröffnungsparty mit internationalem Staraufgebot
Am Samstag, 8. September lädt Giahi von 12 bis 17 Uhr zur Einweihung der neuen Filiale. Nebst einer verführerischen Show von den Artisten des Ohlala-Liebeszirkus wird der weltbekannte Star Rick Genest für eine Autogrammstunde hautnah mit dabei sein. Der als Zombie Boy bekannte Performance-Künstler sorgte bereits im Musikvideo “Born this way” von Lady GaGa für Furore. Der 28-jährige liess sein erstes Tattoo mit 16 Jahren stechen, nachdem er einen Hirntumor überlebte. Seitdem liess er 80 Prozent seines Körpers in unzähligen Sitzungen mit Tätowierungen bedecken und repräsentiert den Körperkult wie kein Zweiter. Seinen Schweizer Fans steht er für Fotos und Autogramme an der Eröffnungsparty von 13 bis 16 Uhr gerne zur Verfügung.
Giahi Neueröffnung
Datum: Samstag, 8. September 2012, 12 bis 17 Uhr
Ort: Löwenstrasse 22, 8001 Zürich
www.giahi.ch
13 bis 16 Uhr: Autogrammstunde Rick Genest (Zombie Boy)
Source: https://www.blackpaper.ch/kultur-entertainment/kunst-entertainment/lady-gagas-zombie-boy-beehrt-zurich/
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FAULT: You’ve been giving us a lot of music suggestions recently as our guest editor. Plus you’ve been doing a lot of DJ sets recently. What kind of tunes do you mix?
RICO: Well, I only recently started DJing. I listen to all sorts of music, but the rst time I DJ’ed, I didn’t know what kind of party I was walking into or what kind of music the people would listen to! So I just put on what I had, and I got lucky—the people ate it up, and we had lots of fun.
What are you listening to at the moment?
I love hip-hop, metal, punk rock, blues, alternative ... all sorts of music.
If you needed a mix tape for a long drive—say, a dozen tracks or so to listen to—what kind of things would you include?
Wow,—there’s so much! It depends [on] who you are and what you’re doing. So, you know, some fun driving music ... I’d throw some hip-hop in there ...
East coast or West coast?
Oh, whatever—both. Stuff like Immortal Technique, Ill Bill, Vinnie Paz, Mr. Hyde, Necro, Time to Fly, Redman, G-Unit ... I could keep going. I guess I like a lot of underground music.
How in touch do you feel with the Canadian music scene at the moment?
Well, at home a lot of my friends are in different bands, and whenever I’m hanging out with them, I listen to the, you know, “homemade” music. To name some names: The Devils Own, Crimes [and] The Unsettlers.
We hear you’re working on your own musical projects at the moment. Is that a direction you have been interested in taking for a while, or is this kind of a new idea that has come about?
Yeah, I absolutely love music; it’s the language of the soul. I’ve always been into music. When I was a teenager, I played [the] guitar. I kind of dropped it with moving around so much. You know, you can’t really carry your stuff with you everywhere you go.
What about other creative projects? Any fashion projects on the go? You mentioned earlier that you designed the jacket you’re wearing at the moment? (Check it out on our lm with Rico on FAULT Online.)
Yeah, I make my own clothes. This shirt, my jackets, hats, boots, pants ... I designed it, sewed all the leather by hand and put the studs on.
Recently, you did the Dermablend advert where you covered your whole body with makeup. How did it feel to look in the mirror and see yourself plain-skinned again?
So the concept for this shoot I have done many times before. Not this past summer, but the summer before that, I was performing for one of the biggest travelling carnivals in Canada. I was doing the bed of nails and the Iron Maiden and using all kinds of paint for show tricks. The skit is that, in many cultures, they paint their dead all white. So for two shows a night—Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays (a total of six shows a week)—I had to paint myself completely white. During the show, I’d wipe off the paint to reveal my tattoos. And that’s how I become “alive” in the show—by showing that I’m “dead”. So it’s a concept that I’ve done over and over. When Dermablend came along, I just walked in and said, “Yeah, OK”.
Do you consider yourself to be a particularly morbid person? You don’t really strike me as being particularly morbid, despite the ...
Despite the ... [Gestures at face and body while grinning.] Despite this? I’m joking! No, I mean, I embrace life—I love life. For me, it’s like the whole “living dead” thing [in the freak shows]. It’s more about rede ning the laws of nature: It’s like a salvation of life, almost. By pretending to be dead, you’re just having fun with it, you know?
What exactly is your idea of death? What is it that fascinates you about it?
So, there are two different sides to this story. Back when I was younger, I was morbidly ill. I was on a hospital waiting list, going in and out for six months. Finally, the doctor just said, “Fat chance, kid”. I had a brain tumour that was getting pretty serious. I was having blackouts all the time; I’d just wake up on the oor several times a day and eventually I was condemned to hospital.
At this time, laser surgery was state-of-the-art technology. I had to undergo this procedure, and there were so many things that complicated matters. I mean, I had a one in three chance of making it, because it was still brand new technology. After the operation, I woke up. I still had ten fi ngers, ten toes—they didn’t cut off anything extra. I guess I got lucky. [Laughs.] Afterwards, I had a long time to refl ect about life in general, and I really embraced it when I got out of hospital. I decided to really live my life to its fullest, and that’s what I did. I went out and lived my life.
But is that why you choose to have this sort of death motif—as a reminder of that?
After my operation, I went out to basically live on the streets with some of my friends. We were living on rooftops and bridges. In our punk rock culture, people didn’t go by formal names. Everyone had a little nickname, and my friends named me “Zombie” due to my history. In this culture, people get loads of tattoos and piercings. I got tattooed like my friends—they all do—so the tattoos, or some of the tattoos, became linked to my nickname. But before that came the history.
What was it like to grow up in that punk rock scene in Montreal? Was that just what was happening at the time or was it a crowd that you were in with?
Well, you know teenagers—who knows what they’re thinking. I guess that, at a fairly young age, I found myself drawn to what you might call “urban culture”. A lot of my friends grew up in the community of tattoos, piercings and graf ti—different forms of what I’d call “urban arts”.
How long ago did you start getting into the freak shows?
Well, I’ve always been intrigued by freak shows. Growing up, I saw some of that stuff: You know, re breathers and sword swallowers. All that stuff really grabbed my interest at an early age. When I was 17, I found myself living downtown with my buddies. There’s a program in Montreal called Septimo, which is a program for street kids to get into the circus and develop skills to go out into the world and make money. It was a program that I really enjoyed being a part of. It gave me discipline and really taught me how to trust people.
I saw some footage of you hammering a nail into your skull.
Yeah, I do that stuff ...
What other things do you have in your recipe book?
Well, there’s always different crews going around doing their own thing, you know? We have different groups back at home: Pirate Circus, the Blue Mushroom Circus, our own troop (Lucifer’s Blasphemers) [and the] Mad Macabre Torture Carnival. Everybody’s friends, and there’s defi nitely a community there. We all kind of perform together, but we do different stuff.
Do you watch horror films? What are your favourites?
The rst time I saw Evil Dead it scrambled my brains; it was just so intense.
How tempted would you be to star in a horror movie if a role was o ffered?
I would be absolutely ecstatic to be in a horror movie. I’ve done a couple of movies already. I was in Carny, starring Lou Diamond Phillips, about four years ago. They wanted me to have a part, but I clearly didn’t have the acting ability, so I didn’t pass the audition! So they just asked me to stick around and ended up using me in the background. So you can see me just standing around in the movie. Then, this year, I did something called 47 Ronin, which stars Keanu Reeves. We spent two weeks in Budapest on a pirate set, so I got to play pirate. That was lots of fun; it was like a punk rock venue except one where everything looks like a pirate ship. So that was great.
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The Canadian artist and tattooed model Rick Genest, best known by the moniker Zombie Boy, was in Matt Barne’s studio today for a shoot for The Sharp Book For Men. Supplied with a headdress created by Kristi of Sweet Pea’s Flowers, consisting of amaranthus flowers, feathers, dried flower pods, nails, fishhooks & razor blades, Matt & Rick took to the set, and the results are, if not undead, at least unreal.
When one takes on a zombie, one must be well armed and Matt was — with a fancy Phase One camera system and an IQ 180 digital back supplied by Jim Anderson of Toronto’s B3K Digital.
Source: http://mattbarnesphoto.tumblr.com
