Ten years since the Beoplay A9 speaker by Bang & Olufsen was launched (we told you about it in our pages), the opportunity for the brand to present "Art of the A9", a series of editions limited editions produced in collaboration with artists from all over the world. In France, the illustrator and designer Jean Julien (below in his studio) was entrusted with the task of rethinking the appearance of this flagship product of the Danish brand.
Beoplay A9 10th anniversary, the floor to Jean Jullien
“The image I display on the front of the Beoplay A9 speaker is part of my Paper People series,” explains Jean Jullien. It offers a collection of characters who sing and dance together, inspired by a series made of cut paper. The challenge was to create a work that would live with people, in their own domestic space. The result therefore had to be aesthetically pleasing, and above all not too dense. I grew up with a father who listened to a lot of music and always shared his new musical discoveries. My appetite for the visual arts has grown along with sharing it: they are two forms of expression and storytelling that I adore, he says. He continues: My work is inspired by many icons, from Raymond Savignac to Saul Bass, Édouard Vuillard, Osamu Tezuka or even Sempé and Mœbius. I always try to do things with a light touch. I'm not necessarily trying to be funny (because I'm not) but at least not to be too serious”.
Beoplay A9 10th anniversary, speaker + artwork or artwork alone
The special Jean Julien edition is available exclusively in France in a selection of Bang & Olufsen stores, as well as on the Bang & Olufsen website. Only 30 pieces are offered at an indicative price of 3,999 euros. It is also possible to purchase a faceplate alone to personalize the speaker if you already have it. Indicative price: 500 euros.
