Excerpt from Jean André Article
by Chris Danforth
En route to HVW8 Art + Design Gallery in Berlin, I was chewing over the years I spent listening to Ed Banger releases. Admittedly, I definitely had a higher level of familiarity with So Me – Jean André’s predecessor as art director at Ed Banger – before speaking with Jean himself that is, who was hosting an exhibition in the intimate gallery setting in the city’s Mitte district. You may expect to receive virtually zero facetime in circumstances like these, given the way that PR people, writers, photographers, fans, and myself, will be pooling around an artist, however, Jean obliged conversations effortlessly, entertaining all those to take an interest in the visual offerings that night. So Me was practically synonymous with Ed Banger at a certain time and presumably following up on his role would entail certain challenges. Jean André seems to have strode confidently into his new position, while bringing a singular and unique approach that would not presently indicate a total overhaul of the French record label’s artistic aesthetic.
Check above in the slideshow for a custom illustration done for Highsnobiety by Jean André.
What’s up Jean? How was Art Basel Miami?
Art Basel was great! Constructing a full exhibition in 4 days in a new city is always a big challenge to me. I had to deal with the furniture we brought, the supplies which didn’t show up because of shipping from Los Angeles, the display of the adidas x HVW8 shoes that I worked on with Kevin Lyons etc… It’s super motivating.
Would you describe yourself as a sneakerhead? What is your relationship with streetwear?
I think I have like 5 pairs of shoes. I’m not a super fashionista, I do not collect sneakers or any apparel, and I don’t go to fashion week. I wear what fits me, that’s pretty much all I care about fashion. Actually, I have a cool collection of white Apparel T-shirts and Zara pants.
You often work with Kevin Lyons, what is his role in your life?
Kevin is a friend and a great advisor, kind of a brother/mentor. He has a great deal of experience in this crazy art/exhibitions/collaboration game.
What about HVW8 Gallery?
That’s all about Tyler Gibney. He is a great guy, he believes in me and was the first man to suggest that I travel to show my drawings. HVW8 has some great artists that I have followed for years, so I feel great to be part of a cool move like this.