Meet JR
Want to know more about JR, the winner of 2011′s TED Prize? We did, and his team put together this video, above, with an overview of his work in his own words and images. And below, here’s an FAQ to answer the big questions. First:
Who is JR?
JR is an anonymous photographer and artist. In his work, he embeds into neighborhoods, favelas and villages around the world, photographing the people who live there and learning their stories — and then pasting his striking images onto massive local canvases: buildings, buses, roads and bridges. His latest global art project is called “Women Are Heroes.” (Watch the emotionally powerful trailer.)
Why JR?
JR embodies the many characteristics we look for in a winner: creativity, vision, leadership, and persuasion. His work is not just stunning. It is innovative, using collaborative storytelling techniques, which move the art of photography in a new and exciting direction. His work is about unlocking the power of possibility, revealing our true selves to those who live around us and then sharing those stories far and wide.
JR attracts loyalty and respect from both his subjects, his friends and volunteers who help him mount all of his exhibitions. The scale of his work is huge, not just the size of each individual portrait, or the amount of space each exhibition covers in one place, but the number of communities and countries each project involves.
How will JR work with the TED community?
As with all TED Prize winners, his wish will not be announced until TED2011 (March 2, 2011 to be exact). One thing we know for sure, he will need the support of the thousands of TEDsters around the world to participate and execute his wish on the ground. The collaborative spirit of his work means that he is open and ready to work with the TED community. It is not just an award but a partnership between the winner and TED.
Why a guerrilla artist?
Guerrilla art is about provocation and pushing limits to start dialogue. It has the capacity to engage and break down barriers in ways art in galleries or museums does not. The audience is often those who are least likely to be exposed to art. When guerilla art is practiced as is by JR, the work is not about him but about the community where it is placed — in subject, in execution, and in enjoyment.
Isn’t his work illegal?
JR is anonymous and works under the radar of the authorities. This allows him to exhibit in both unexpected and dangerous places. It allows him to travel to the countries and cities where his work will have the greatest impact. But, while he does not ask permission from the authorities, he does work directly with the communities in which he is exhibiting. People in the exhibit communities don’t just see the work, they make it. Elderly women become models for a day; kids turn into artists for a week. In this art scene, there is no stage to separate the actors from the spectators.
Several of his recent projects, such as “Unframed,” are done in conjunction with museums and festivals.
JR doesn’t allow any association with corporations. Will that be a problem?
JR’s success is based on his ability to remain anonymous and independent. We respect that and will nurture that. If this restricts the ways in which corporations can support the wish, we’re confident individuals and groups will step up to the plate in their place.
Dear Amy et all, Thank you so much for bringing JR to my attention and indeed the attention of the world. His work is amazing, liberating and powerful. His use of art to initiate a dialog, bring awareness to issues and involve large groups is fantastic.
I would like to share with you my own efforts in this regard and hope you will take a moment to visit http://www.PortraitofAmerica.org and http://www.PortraitofAmericaBlog.org. Over the past 6 years I have completed two large scale public engagement projects that have had a stunning impact on the the states and cities that have hosted them. As I look for ways to expand my efforts, I would welcome a dialog with you and the folks at TED.
Again, Thank you for recognizing the Mysterious street artist, JR. His efforts have shown a light in my direction.
Cheers,
Joe
I am a longtime fan of graffiti and the power of that medium to lift and to transform individuals and communities. Thank you, TED, for introducing me to JR. Watching this video tonight warms my heart and fills me with hope. I love all those smiles.
So great that you acknoledge some one who travels on the fringe of what most of us might brand as comfortable. His message and commitment is strong and inspiring. If we are to succeed as a society, it will be by transformation that starts from the roots. Jr’s work is at those roots, and in the inspireosphere, at the same time.
Art is necessary, and JR’s work is definitely good, but… since he started his career, it looks like it’s been connected with a strategy to get its own place dealing with medias. Known from no-one, his first book (28 mm) was self celebrated in a well-known jet -set club in Paris along with champagne and glamourous people. Just so far away from the subjects he works on. I would just like to understand JR’s connections with medias and hard currencies…
It seems JR has matured along with his work. If only every artist was able to look beyond themselves and adapt to the real needs of this world.
Jr’s work shouts to us “Wake up world, we are one”.
Thank you JR for your beautiful inspirations inside and out.