Designboom_ Two gigantic sculptures by French artist Jean Jullien have landed at Le Bon Marché department store in Paris, as part of the book-themed exhibition Mise en Page. Curated by Sarah Andelman, former Colette image director and publisher of Just An Idea Books, the exhibition runs from February 24 to April 21, 2024, and explores the realm of books, libraries, and all things related to the written word.

Jullien’s works portray two blue paper people: one engrossed in a book, while the other extends its wiggly arms towards the balconies of the building. The artist’s playful illustrations also adorn the café within the department store, featuring vibrant colors, larger-than-life books, and whimsical faces that fill the space. This immersive shop-exhibition experience was realized with the collaboration of Phamily First agency and the Korean brand NouNou.

For the Mise en Page exhibition, Sarah Andelman invites Jean Jullien and his Paper People sculptures to transform Le Bon Marché. Having journeyed from Tokyo to Seoul, Brussels, and across France to Nantes and Carnoët, Jullien’s characters now grace Paris, embodying the celebration of books. The imaginative staging enlivens the exhibition, bringing grand, thought-provoking, and playful creations to life in store windows and interiors. Meanwhile, Jullien’s 2D illustrations adorn the second floor within the dedicated space for the NouNou brand and the café-grocery store developed with Phamily First.

Each part of the exhibition offers a different narrative. The ground floor hosts renowned bookstores from around the world, showcasing their branded merchandise. Additionally, exceptional collaborations with publishers and book enthusiasts enrich the experience. On the second floor of the exhibition, Sarah Andelman presents a section called Just an Idea Books and Friends, featuring five new books alongside the 17 previously published in her collection since 2021.