Rick Genest 1985 – 2018
Biography
Rick Genest was a Canadian artist who turned his body into a canvas—literally. The Quebec-born performer, actor, and fashion model became an unlikely icon by embracing full-body tattoos and unconventional aesthetics that challenged everything mainstream fashion stood for. His striking appearance and fearless commitment to artistic expression landed him collaborations with major entertainment and fashion brands, proving that true originality could break through industry gatekeepers. Genest didn’t just model; he performed, creating a multimedia presence that blurred the line between high fashion and performance art.
What made Genest magnetic was his refusal to apologize for being different. Working across modeling, acting, and visual art, he demonstrated a versatility that defied easy categorization. His bold presence and innovative approach earned him recognition well beyond Canada’s borders, attracting the attention of major fashion houses and entertainment figures who recognized his cultural impact.
On August 1, 2018, Genest died in Montreal at just 32 years old, following a fall. His legacy remains powerful—a reminder of an artist who dared to be radically, unapologetically himself at a time when the industry demanded conformity.
