Jean Jullien

The Man Behind the Image
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photo credit: Daniel Arnold



Dear Jullien,

Your Peace for Paris image sort of became an emblem of collective thoughts and feelings from millions around the world.  What went through your mind when you shared it? 
 
Nothing more than wanting to share something positive that showed solidarity with the people of Paris. It was a very raw and instinctive drawing, not planned.
What’s the role of art in today’s complex realities? 
 
Same as it has always been: observe, question, describe, tell. The way I see it, Art is a companion to the world. It evolves with it, in parallel, and adapts itself to it. It tries its best to understand it and challenge people's understanding of the world by asking questions.
What inspired the mood for your collection of photographic illustrations published by Drawdown?
 
It's my everyday creative gymnastic: I try to keep a big part of playfulness in what I do. I like to be challenged by failure and accidents to see where it all takes me. And that happens when you experiment with tools and mediums you might not be overly confident with.

How do you see the evolution of man doing regular tasks such as eating breakfast or reading the newspaper or a combination of both?
 
I think it's good and funny. Some people misinterpret my series about modern life as a critic of it, as if I think it was better before.
 
The "pun" of the piece you're talking about is that the guy reading the paper or the new giant ipad are completely the same. People have always found ways of being sociable and asocial; I don't think it's a new thing.
The way it looks is new and that's what worries us: we've always been scared of what we didn't know. It's a timely thing that will pass and something new will come to freak us out. I like the irony of it. That's what I try to poke fun at in my drawings.
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​On a lighter note, inspired by your work, How I Feel When I Put Together a Really Good Play List, can you share with us some favorites from your favorite play lists this year?
 
Here's a playlist I did a week ago for Central Saint Martins

​Best: https://open.spotify.com/user/jeanjullien/playlist/0MDwTIwg29NS1gozttZWj5
 
Do you have a favorite conductor by the way? 
 
I don't know any conductor, I'm afraid!

​What’s the definition of cool in Jean Jullien’s world? 
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​Can you give any hints on the most recent project you’re working on for The Jullien Brothers? 
 
An animated TV series that looks very colorful, fun and quirky and that will poke fun at us all by engaging with contemporary matters.