RIFIFI

The children’s gallery at the NGV is transformed into an underwater world inspired by art, having fun and caring for the environment – a sea adventure that welcomes the youngest and oldest of visitors. This enchanting installation is the creation of French artist Jean Jullien, who has made the work, titled RIFIFI: Jean Jullien for Kids, especially for NGV Triennial.

Jean Jullien expresses his ideas and ways of seeing the world often through a lens of humour and playfulness. His graphic style is a bold and immediate interpretation of our surroundings, and his works are often drawn with a brushy black line combined with a single solid colour, which results in vibrant, eye-catching imagery.

The scenography of RIFIFI: Jean Jullien for Kids is filled with his drawings, to create a close-up and intimate experience of colourful ocean life, inner coral reefs and treasured natural wonders. The result is a rich, scenic experience that allows young visitors to feel completely immersed under the sea.

This world is inspired by the artist’s childhood trips to the beach and a passion for caring for the marine environment.

“For as long as I remember the ocean has had a very strong impact on me. Rock pools and the intense imagery of the aquatic fauna and flora filled my imagination from an early age. I grew accustomed to documenting the seaside in my sketchbooks, then in paintings. Rififi is a fantastic opportunity for me to pour all these drawings onto the walls of the NGV in order to create what I hope will be a thrilling underwater installation with tailored activities to share my love of anything aquatic! I hope Rififi will engage our little sea explorers and teach them to love and respect the ocean.”
Jean Jullien

In this inspiring setting, young visitors take part in hands-on activities conveying the importance of protecting the ocean and marine life and a drawing activity where children can be creative and respond to the artist’s imagery drawing their own sea creatures.