“Can Art Change the World?” This is more than just a question for French photographer and collagist JR — it’s the mission behind his nonprofit, which aims to empower communities through art and education. JR, known for his striking black-and-white street installations that have appeared on buildings around the world, continues to explore this idea through his work.
As a social activist and co-director of an Oscar-nominated film, JR has used his art to spark conversations and bring people together. In 2016, he made waves by creating an illusion that made the Louvre’s famous glass pyramid “disappear.” More recently, he unveiled “La Nascita,” a stunning 3D optical illusion that appeared to tear a massive gash through Milan’s train station. He’s also played a role in carrying the torch for the upcoming 2024 Paris Games.
Through all of these projects, JR’s goal remains the same: to connect people. As he once told The Wall Street Journal, “I always seek to attract people’s attention toward something, generally other people.” His work serves as a powerful reminder that art can indeed bring us closer together and, perhaps, change the world in the process.
