Interview: Julien Bernard-Grau
Luca Curci talks with Julien Bernard-Grau during THE EXTENDED BODY 2020 at THE LINE Contemporary Art Space.

Julien Bernard-Grau is a multidisciplinary artist working in lighting design, photography and the written word. Motivated by creating engaging and emotive experiences; his aim is to collaborate and produce art that transcends social norms and barriers, confronting ignorance and bigotry; to create an experience that will cause us all to reconsider our preconceptions, where possibilities exceed limitations. Where ideas live just beyond gravity.

Luca Curci – What is art for you?
Julien Bernard-Grau – Expressions of existence; exploration, sharing, learning, empowering, finding fulfilment meaning and purpose.

LC – What’s your background? What is the experience that has influenced your work the most?
JBG – I am a multi-national living in the UK, from a young age I was exposed to a diversity of cultures and spiritual outlooks on life. Supported by a strong family network my work reflects on social constructs, perceptions and a search for understanding our true selves.

LC – Which subject are you working on?
JBG – At the moment, I am working on body and form; it’s interactions with light. I work across a variety of mediums and am fascinated by the linkages between these realms.

LC – Where do you find your inspiration?
JBG – Everywhere: from world events to observing a moth’s flight at night. I find inspiration in my fellow sapiens, artists, freedom fighters, social workers; people expressing and owning their truth.

LC – What is your creative process like?
JBG – Peaks and troughs. At times I’ll be motivated to produce works in quick succession and at others, I will muse on a multitude of ephemeral concepts, sit with them and let them germinate in their own time. The only rule is that there is no rule.

LC – What is the most challenging part about creating your artworks?
JBG – Knowing that they are all there, just out of reach of my senses and that somehow I must choose which ones to manifest. Trusting one’s instincts and to be able to let it go. Believing in a plurality of thought and finding the singular expression that combines them all.

LC – Are your artworks focused on a specific theme?
JBG – Often my works focus on sociopolitical themes; events that capture a time of global significance from a microcosmic perspective.

LC – What do you think about ITSLIQUID Platform?
JBG – I think it is a forward-thinking way to foster community as more of the planet create its presence and persona in cyberspace.

LC – Do you think ITSLIQUID Group can represent an opportunity for artists?
JBG – 100%! if it wasn’t for organisations like ITSLIQUID Group, many of us would be still be scrabbling in the dark!

LC – What are your suggestions about our services? Is there something more we can provide to artists?
JBG – This is my first experience of working with this organisation. I am very happy so far.