How Jean Jullien makes light of negative news in his practice | Jean Jullien

Summary

In an interview, French illustrator and artist Johan Papin discusses his creative upbringing and early illustration work during school. He aimed to bring art to the public domain instead of just galleries. Over time his work evolved organically from daily social media cartoons to colorful landscape paintings and installations, influenced by experiences like having a child. He sees humor and beauty as defenses against negativity. Though proud of large temporary installations, he accepts their impermanence. He tries maintaining freedom to experiment and fail within commercial work. Despite anxiety over audience reactions, he aspires to balance commercial and personal projects across platforms to maximize expression.

Takeaways

• 😊 Johan grew up with influences from street culture, theater, music and more which encouraged his creativity
• 👨‍🎨 He started in graphic design but realized he was not very good at it and wanted more creative freedom across mediums
• 🎭 Johan likes to work across high and low brow mediums from commercial work to galleries to reach different audiences
• 😂 Humor is a defense mechanism for Johan against constant bad news rather than an intentional effort to be funny
• 🌅 Painting landscapes was a reaction to negative news and social media, wanting mental space and happiness
• 🖼️ Ephemeral large-scale installation works are some of Johan's favorites though they get destroyed after exhibitions
• 📝 Sketchbooks are an un judged space for experimentation and failure which Johan has kept up for over 20 years
• 👪 Returning to create art in his hometown where he grew up was highly meaningful
• ✨ Johan balances commercial and personal work which motivates him and provides financial stability
• 🗓️ He has several major upcoming projects in Paris, New York, a TV show and more this year

Q & A

How did Johan's upbringing influence his creative path?

Johan's upbringing played a significant role in shaping his creative path. Although not explicitly encouraged to pursue art, he was not discouraged either. His exposure to a mix of highbrow and lowbrow culture, thanks to his father's interest in pop culture and his mother's profession as an architect and curator, provided a rich, eclectic mix of creative influences.

What is notable about the city Johan comes from and how did it influence him?

Johan comes from Nantes, France, known for its street culture, particularly street theater, and events like Voyage à Nantes. The city's vibrant cultural scene, including street performances by Royal de Luxe featuring giants and elaborate narratives, contributed to Johan's eclectic and diverse creative influences.

How did studying graphic design at Central St. Martins impact Johan's work?

Studying graphic design at Central St. Martins significantly impacted Johan's work, embedding a foundation of typography, composition, and color. The playful and experimental approach encouraged at St. Martins, along with the pragmatic training he received in France, has influenced how he composes his artworks, integrating graphic design principles even in his paintings.

Why did Johan transition from graphic design to more personal artistic endeavors?

Johan transitioned from graphic design to more personal artistic endeavors after realizing graphic design might not fully accommodate his creative aspirations. Despite initially not aiming to become an illustrator or painter, his desire for freedom and exploration led him to pursue a path that allowed for broader creative expression.

What was the focus of Johan's final project at the Royal College of Art?

Johan's final project at the Royal College of Art focused on creating a series of minimal and impactful images for a mass audience, rather than solely for art connoisseurs. He aimed to provoke thought and laughter through a visual language rooted in the tradition of poster art, bending commercial communication tools for dialogue on contemporary matters.

How does Johan balance highbrow and lowbrow elements in his work?

Johan balances highbrow and lowbrow elements in his work by not choosing a single direction and embracing the freedom to express different ideas through various platforms. This approach allows him to engage with both social media and museum/gallery spaces, adapting his message according to the platform and audience.

What role does humor play in Johan's work?

Humor plays a significant role in Johan's work as a response to the consistently negative news cycle. It serves as a defense mechanism, where Johan attempts to find and twist something that bugs him into something funny or witty, as a way of countering negativity.

Why has Johan shifted towards painting and landscape artworks?

Johan shifted towards painting and landscape artworks as a natural progression influenced by changes in his personal life, including starting a family and discovering surfing. This shift allowed him to reflect on happier, slower themes and be mentally available for his family, marking a departure from the fast-paced creation and social media engagement.

How does Johan perceive the impermanence of his art, especially for installations and murals?

Johan perceives the impermanence of his art, particularly installations and murals, as a valuable aspect of creation. Although initially fine with the idea of his art being temporary, the actual destruction of his works can be emotionally challenging. However, he appreciates the uniqueness of experiencing art that isn't permanently accessible, aligning with the digital age's ephemeral nature.

What upcoming projects does Johan have planned?

Johan has several projects lined up, including a project in Paris at the B Mar department store involving giants and a story told through window displays. He also has a show in New York, a TV show about his parents in the works, and a significant show about escapism planned for the next year, among other endeavors.