[JAAD] : L’art de vivre libre, entre couleurs et culture urbaine - MoGA

[JAAD]: The art of living freely, between colors and urban culture

Interview with JAAD

1. For those who don’t know you yet, could you introduce yourself quickly?

Yo my name is JAAD, street art / pop art artist, free as a bird!

2. How would you define your artistic approach?

My artistic approach is a mix between my influences (Japanese animation/manga, urban culture, cinema, brands, etc.), pop culture and street art.

3. Where did this passion for street art / pop art come from?

I grew up in the heart of French urban culture, especially hip-hop, with artists like Mafia K'1 Fry as elders. They introduced rap to our neighborhoods, and by extension, allowed me to discover urban culture through breakdancing, graffiti, etc. Having been drawing since I was little, I naturally turned to graffiti. I discovered pop culture a little later, and I immediately fell in love with it: its explosions of colors and its references echoed my own universe.

4. You incorporate a lot of influences into your works, whether it's streets, neighborhoods, or cultural references like Japanese animation or cinema. What drives you to explore these themes?

Sharing! I like the idea that my works can be infinitely customizable, that everyone can have a JAAD work that speaks to them. Because, regardless of our social class, our origins, our cultures or our age, art is a vector that brings people together. Everyone has their references, their history, and my works tend to reflect them.

5. What impact do you seek to have with your art in the public space?

I don't claim to want to have a particular impact on the public space. However, if there is an impact, I would like my art to bring people together.

6. When did you get the inspiration for art? Do you remember when it all started?

I have always drawn, and being curious by nature, I have been interested in many things. Beyond that, my trigger for art has 3 names: Leïla (my wife), Fouad A., and Olga Berluti. They have deeply influenced my artistic vision.

7. Do you remember your very first work? What does it represent for you today?

My first work is directly linked to the three names I just mentioned. I had designed a shoemaker for Maison Berluti, and this work ended up on an Italian editorial and various media of the brand. It has nothing to do with my current universe, but it represents for me the beginning of everything, the trigger, the beginning…

8. Do you have any artists or movements that have really influenced you and continue to influence you today?

Unsurprisingly, Pop Art and urban culture in general. I also love wandering around exhibitions and museums to get inspired and discover or rediscover artists. My "Jedi" are: Basquiat, Warhol, Banksy, Obey, Jisbar, Meushay, not to mention Akira Toriyama. The list could go on!

9. Concretely, how does it happen when you create a work, from start to finish?

I have three methods of creation:

  1. Thematic carte blanche: I choose a character around which I create artistic references according to a theme, then I let my madness operate for the custom.
  2. The thematic character: Here, the work revolves entirely around the character.
  3. Customization: I work with the client to choose a character that speaks to them, then we discuss their references… And let's go!

I create all my works by hand, then on a graphics tablet for the digital ones. For the canvases, I work with Posca, spray paint and acrylic.

10. And your biggest challenge as an artist, what would it be?

I would like to exhibit in galleries in New York, Los Angeles and/or Tokyo…

11. Are there any ideas or messages that you seek to convey through your art?

We all live on the same planet with our differences which are a wealth for everyone. So let's put ourselves in good vibes mode!!!

12. If you had to give advice to a young artist starting out, what would it be?

Don't give up! Keep going and persevere!

13. What are your current projects or news?

I have two upcoming shows: Paris Manga (October 5 and 6, 2024), and Toulouse Manga (November 30 and December 1). And I will be exhibiting at "Le Tableau et son Cadre" in Saint-Cloud at the end of the year.

14. What made you want to collaborate with MoGA?

Val and Dim! More seriously (even if it is a real reason), I share MoGA's vision in the world of geek and art.

15. And finally, what would you say to an artist to convince them to join the MoGA adventure?

Come on! We are a collective of cool guys and girls, aiming for infinity and beyond!