JR

Two letters sum up the revolutionary street art and photography of the 21st century: J.R. These letters are now iconic, covering walls worldwide—from the favelas of Brazil to the Upper East Side of New York. J.R., short for Jean-René, is a renowned French photographer and street artist born in Paris in 1983, whose work has made a significant impact in the contemporary art scene. 

J.R.'s work remains a global conversation starter, as he continues to use art to address urgent social and environmental issues. His public installations are more than just visually stunning—they are a call to action, encouraging reflection on the power of identity, community, and collective change. Recently, in 2022, J.R. shifted focus to the issue of migrant children. His striking 45-meter-tall portraits of young migrants, installed in communities most affected by the global refugee crisis, highlighted the ongoing plight of displaced children. This project reinforced his ongoing commitment to using art as a platform for social change.

In 2024, J.R. unveiled a new series of large-scale installations tackling environmental issues. His latest works, displayed in major cities around the world, highlight the devastating effects of climate change on vulnerable communities, particularly in coastal areas. The project, titled Eyes of the Earth, features powerful close-up portraits of individuals living in areas most affected by rising sea levels and natural disasters.

In September 2025, JR will transform the Pont Neuf in Paris into a massive "grotto," paying tribute to Christo and Jeanne-Claude's 1985 installation, "The Pont Neuf Wrapped." The artwork will feature large rock formations connecting the banks of the Seine, inspired by the quarries that supplied stones for Paris. 

Starting in street art with graffiti, J.R. discovered photography in 2001 when he found a camera in the Paris subway. He quickly began capturing the world around him, using his surroundings as a constant source of inspiration for his monumental photo collages. Known for creating large-scale black-and-white portraits of people, J.R.'s works are visually striking and deeply meaningful.

A hallmark of J.R.'s artistic process is the creation of massive photo collages that depict everyday individuals. His work is not just about aesthetic grandeur but also about social commentary. His gigantic installations, which often cover entire buildings, bridge the gap between art and public space, making his work accessible to all and sparking conversations about identity and societal issues.

J.R.'s ability to use public spaces to engage with his audience is a powerful tool for addressing contemporary issues. His portraits often tackle themes such as social inequality, identity, and migration. One of his most famous early projects, 28 Millimeters, Women Are Heroes (2008), showcased the faces and eyes of local women in the Brazilian favelas, pasting their portraits across entire blocks of houses. This project, like much of his work, uses scale and visual impact to evoke emotions and inspire change.

In 2007, his Face 2 Face project brought together portraits of Israelis and Palestinians, pasted face-to-face on the separation wall between the two communities. This project was a precursor to his later works exploring themes of identity, division, and conflict. J.R.'s art has continued to evolve. In 2014, he adorned the Pantheon in Paris with portraits of everyday passersby, further emphasizing the role of ordinary people in the narrative of history. In 2016, he captivated audiences by making the Louvre's pyramid appear to vanish, blurring the line between architecture and art.

Looking ahead, J.R. is expected to continue addressing pressing global issues through his art. Whether exploring environmental concerns, social justice, or the human condition, his powerful photographic installations are sure to remain an integral part of the global street art and photography conversation.