Julien JU

Born in Toulouse in 1980, Julien was interested very early in hip-hop culture.

First graffiti, then break-dancing.

He studied Fine Arts and then went to Saudi Arabia where he learned Arabic calligraphy. Upon his return, he continued his studies at the University of Mirail where he took part in workshops led by calligraphers such as Said Benjelloun and Abdellatif Yacoubi. At the same time, he worked in the world of advertising and took courses in graphic design and interior design.

Julien spends his time in art and design.

He creates interiors, graphic designs, sculptures and paintings.

His style is the synthesis of his career. We find there the curves of Arabic calligraphy, the influence of graffiti (especially the flop), the supports and techniques of advertising (Plexiglas, aluminum, PVC) and the minimalism of architecture and design. He draws his inspiration from Arabic calligraphers such as Hassan Massoudy, from his flat colors and the geometry of his shapes, but also from the " all-over " of "street-art" artists.

Like Keith Haring and Angel Ortiz.

His work is done on paper, with paint markers and vector software to create screen prints, embossing, cutouts and engravings in limited numbers.

He likes to use contrasts, shadows, reliefs, transparencies and the assembly of materials such as Plexiglas, cardboard, felt, metal, PVC and rubber which he paints or leaves raw.

 Each of his creations is made up of words or phrases in Arabic that he models and assembles.