Alejandro Jodorowsky at 97: The Immortal Artist

Alejandro Jodorowsky is preparing to celebrate his 97th birthday on February 17, 2026, yet his creative energy shows no signs of slowing. The legendary artist, born in Tocopilla, Chile, in 1929, continues to maintain a relentless pace of work from his home in Paris.

In a recent videoconference, Jodorowsky revealed that his only wish for the upcoming year is simple yet profound: more time. "I want to live 15 years more for the simple reason of continuing to do what I am doing: living pleasurably," he explained. This sentiment underscores a life dedicated to boundless creation and philosophical exploration.

Despite his advanced age, Jodorowsky's schedule remains packed with artistic endeavors that span multiple mediums. When asked to list his current projects, he found the task overwhelming, suggesting the sheer volume of his ongoing work is difficult to enumerate. He deferred to his wife, the artist Pascale Montandon, who was present during the interview, to better articulate the scope of his activities.

The artist's career has been documented in a new publication that serves as a comprehensive review of his trajectory. This body of work is described as being nearly as inabarcable (uncontainable) as it is surreal, mirroring the nature of Jodorowsky's own creative output. His projects continue to push boundaries and explore unconventional narratives.

• Upcoming book publication with Taschen
• Ongoing artistic collaborations with Pascale Montandon
• Continued exploration of surrealist themes
• Philosophical and spiritual projects

For Jodorowsky, the concept of death is not a distant fear but a constant companion. He has maintained a unique perspective on mortality since the very beginning of his existence. "I have been thinking about death since the day I was born," he stated, framing his entire life through the lens of its inevitable conclusion.

This philosophical outlook informs his approach to time and creativity. Rather than fearing the end, he seeks to maximize the present moment. His desire for additional years is not driven by a fear of dying, but by a profound love for the act of living and creating. This mindset allows him to approach his 97th year with the same intensity he has applied to his work for decades.

"I want to live 15 years more for the simple reason of continuing to do what I am doing: living pleasurably."

When asked to identify his most important work, Jodorowsky's answer was characteristically unexpected and deeply philosophical. He declared that his greatest artistic achievement is "atarse el cordón de los zapatos con los dientes"—tying his shoelaces with his teeth.

This statement is not merely a joke but a reflection of his belief that art permeates every aspect of existence. The simple, daily act becomes a performance, a moment of physical engagement with the world that requires focus, flexibility, and presence. It suggests that for Jodorowsky, the boundary between life and art is nonexistent; every gesture, no matter how mundane, carries the potential for artistic expression.

His work with Taschen and other projects are extensions of this same philosophy—transforming the raw material of life into something surreal, meaningful, and deeply personal.

As February 17 approaches, the art world watches with anticipation for what the legendary artist will produce next. Jodorowsky's continued productivity at 97 challenges conventional notions of creativity and aging. His life serves as a testament to the idea that artistic drive does not diminish with time but can evolve and deepen.

The artist's focus remains firmly on the future, on the projects yet to be completed, and on the simple pleasure of existence. His upcoming birthday is not a milestone of retirement but a marker of continued engagement with the world. For Jodorowsky, time is the ultimate medium, and he continues to shape it with every breath.

His legacy is not just in his published works or films, but in his enduring philosophy: that life itself is the greatest art form, and every moment is an opportunity for creation.