‘London is a city that has a lot to offer if you want to start something creatively.’
Feature by Exceptional ALIEN
Where to begin with Jean Jullien? Originally from Nantes, France, he moved to London in 2005 as a student, and is today one of the world’s most popular artists, with creations that just seem to take on a life of their own.
Jean has featured everywhere from The New York Times to The Guardian and National Geographic. For more than a decade, his environment in London was a major source of inspiration offering visual commentary in his art, product design, installations, video, books or even just doodles at the pub. We spoke to Jean about creative life in London and his fascination with Londoners.
On where you’re from
From Nantes, France, on the west coast.
On when you moved to London
2005, to study at Central Saint Martins.
On your relationship with London
Complicated! It’s given me so much and allowed me to try a lot of things. But now I’m moving away for personal reasons so I’m slowly learning to say goodbye. It’s been such a big part of my life.
On how London inspires you
A lot, there’s a lot to see. People, places. London has been a big inspiration of mine over the past 10 years. I’ve done a lot of work based on people and social behaviors. I’ve slightly deviated over the past year or so, feeling more inclined to draw the beach and outdoors, reminiscent of holidays rather than daily life in the city. But I find social environment fascinating in general, and London is pretty special in that regard.
On something you would describe as ‘only in London’
The amount of pubs, it’s incredible.
‘London has been a big inspiration of mine over the past 10 years…I find social environment fascinating in general, and London is pretty special in that regard.’
On where you find inspiration
I’ve got a soft spot for pubs. I love the atmosphere and the mix of people. I could draw for hours in the pub, just looking at faces and behaviors. I also love Kew Gardens and South Bank. But my favorite spot in London has always been the Barbican. I’ve actually shot a movie there for my final project at Central Saint Martins, featuring the Barbican Futurists!
On how student life in London shaped your work
Totally. I met people from all over the world, with backgrounds and experiences very different from mine, so I learned a lot from people. London is also a city that has a lot to offer if you want to start something. Creatively speaking, it felt like it was really easy to get started, and there was an overall enthusiasm for creative things that made it super stimulating.
On what to do visiting London
Going out. Make the most of what the city has to offer. It hasn’t been a relaxing city for me but it’s been incredibly stimulating.
On something from France you need a fix of in London
E5 bakery makes some good croissants! But France is so close that if I miss something from there, I ‘just’ have to cross the Channel.
‘I’ve got a soft spot for pubs. I love the atmosphere and the mix of people. I could draw for hours in the pub, just looking at faces and behaviors.’
On window seat or aisle
I prefer window, to see the view. But because I have long legs I have to sit in the aisle!
On London in one word
Busy! But there’s something lovely about the amount of parks here, like pockets of green calm in the middle of the city, here and there. It’s a contrast that sums up the contrasts within the city quite well.
