About JR

JR, a pseudonymous French artist born in 1983 in Paris, is a seminal figure at the nexus of photography, filmmaking, and social engagement. Recognized alongside other influential street artists like Banksy, Invader and Shepard Fairey, JR is renowned for his large-scale urban interventions and monumental photographic collages that transform public spaces into arenas of visibility for the often overlooked or marginalized.

JR’s approach to street art and urban art is deeply intertwined with social activism. By plastering massive black-and-white photographs across varied urban landscapes – from the favelas in Brazil to segregation walls in the Middle East and the US-Mexican border – he highlights the faces and stories of people who are typically ignored, making the invisible vividly seen. Over the past two decades, JR has orchestrated numerous site-specific projects globally, working directly with local communities. He engages individuals by taking their portraits, then dramatically enlarges these images and integrates them into the fabric of their own environments.

In addition to his public installations and photographic documentation, JR is also involved in the medium of print, creating handcrafted limited edition prints that further extend the reach of his socially engaged art. JR’s prints and public artworks are more than mere artistic expressions; they are vibrant, participatory social projects that foster community interaction and challenge societal norms. Through his innovative use of photography and public space, JR continues to push the boundaries of how art can inform, engage, and inspire societal change.

Notable exhibitions

JR’s artwork has been showcased in major exhibitions and biennials worldwide, highlighting his dual presence in both public spaces and institutional contexts. Beyond transforming city streets into what he calls “the largest art gallery in the world,” he has participated in important international events such as the Havana Biennial and the Dakar Biennale, underscoring his relevance within the global contemporary art scene.

Institutional recognition has come through solo and group exhibitions at renowned museums and cultural centers. His work has been presented at the Tate Modern in London, the Palazzo Farnese in Rome, and the Maison Européenne de la Photographie in Paris. In the United States, his projects have been featured at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Brooklyn Museum, and the Museum of Modern Art in New York.

Public collections also testify to his influence, with major holdings at The Museum of Modern Art (New York), the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Brooklyn Museum, Château La Coste in Aix-en-Provence, and the Musée de l’Elysée in Lausanne. These institutional acquisitions affirm his status as one of the most significant contemporary artists working today.

Through both biennial appearances and museum exhibitions, JR has established a unique position: an artist who bridges the energy of street art with the validation of the world’s most prestigious art institutions. His projects continue to expand the reach of contemporary art, engaging diverse audiences across continents.