Jan Melka

Q&A

A woman with long dark hair sits in an art studio with large abstract paintings behind her.

Semaine: What’s important to you right now?

J.M: “The student protests happening in France right now!

I chose painting to stand out, but above all, to express myself. At school, we’re too quickly reduced to grades and rankings.

Education needs to be more open and less rigid. I support abolishing Parcoursup and making education accessible to all. These years shape who we become. We need to nurture and support the adults of tomorrow.”

A woman in a black open-back dress sits thoughtfully on a stool in front of large, dark abstract paintings.

Semaine: If you were an object, what would you be and why?

J.M: “I would be a camera! A flying camera capturing the whole world, with my own public 24/7 open

space in the city where I could broadcast everything happening around me.”

Semaine: Describe your taste in one word.

J.M: Raw

Semaine: Where would you like to be right now, and why?

J.M: Right now, I’m in my studio finishing paintings, but I can’t wait to be at my exhibition, which has just opened, meeting people and discussing the themes behind my work. I also want to be in San Agustinillo in Mexico with my Mexican writer Fernanda and talk about life.

Travel

A red-felt pool table with a black racking triangle under three Tiffany-style stained glass lamps in a pub.

"A hidden gem where you can play billiards and have a drink. A little secret spot to escape the city for a while."

Caves de Montpensier

Paris, France

15 Rue de Montpensier, 75001 Paris

An ornate Parisian building with Cafe de l'Epoque Brasserie and Galerie Vero-Dodat, featuring illuminated outdoor seating and an arched entryway.

"Where I love meeting my mother for a late-morning coffee or stopping by for a late-night dessert. They serve the best giant tarte Tatin in Paris, perfect at 11 pm."

Café de l’Époque

Paris, France

2 Rue du Bouloi, 75001 Paris

"I go there all the time because their Caesar salad is delicious, but mostly because of Bouboum, the resident cat. If you go, make sure to ask for Bouboum!"

Café Beaubourg

Paris, France

43 Rue Saint-Merri, 75004 Paris

Luxembourg Palace in autumn with green metal chairs scattered on a gravel path under an overcast sky.

"I went to high school nearby, so coming back to the Luxembourg Gardens as an adult always reconnects me with my inner child. It brings back memories of first heartbreaks, school stress, coffee and cigarettes, but also all the fun and lightness of being young."

Jardin du Luxembourg

Paris, France

75006 Paris

"Home to my favourite painting in the world: L’Atelier du peintre by Gustave Courbet. I keep coming back to see it. No matter how many times I visit, it never gets old."

Musée d’Orsay

Paris, France

Esplanade Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, 75007 Paris

Patrons socialize at an outdoor cafe with a blue awning on a sunny street corner.

"My favourite meeting spot with friends who live in the 11th and 19th arrondissements. We sit outside, sip grenadine, catch up on life and enjoy the beautiful view of the church."

Café de l’Église

Paris, France

2 Pl. Franz Liszt, 75010 Paris

A cluttered children's toy and gift shop, with shelves overflowing with colorful toys, books, and dolls.

"A toy shop for children where I somehow always manage to find the perfect gifts for my friends and sometimes for myself. I love this place, walking in feels like stepping straight back into childhood."

La Truite Enchantée

Paris, France

80 Rue de Bagnolet, 75020 Paris

A long bookstore interior with a pitched glass skylight roof, displaying books on tables and shelves.

"A beautiful bookshop on the same street as La Truite Enchantée. I live right across from it, so I often pop in to find a new book, then head home to get cosy with my latest discovery on a Sunday afternoon. One of my favourite little rituals."