JR

JR is the pseudonym of a French photographer and street artist whose identity is unconfirmed. Describing himself as a photograffeur, he flyposts large black-and-white photographic images in public locations, in a manner similar to the appropriation of the built environment by the graffiti artist. He states that the street is "the largest art gallery in the world." He started out on the streets of Paris. JR's work "often challenges widely held preconceptions and the reductive images propagated by advertising and the media." JR's work combines art and action, and deals with commitment, freedom, identity and limits. He has been introduced by Fabrice Bousteau as: "the one we already call the Cartier-Bresson of the 21st century". On 20 October 2010, JR won the TED Prize for 2011. He used the $100,000 award money to start the Inside Out Project.

About JR

Photographer, artist, and filmmaker known worldwide for his daring exhibitions about everything from the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to European street art. He is particularly known for the illegal exhibitions Portrait of a Generation and Face 2 Face.

Before Fame

His love of street art and photography began after he found a camera in a Paris subway and began taking photos of European street art.

Achievement

In 2010, his film Women Are Heroes was screened at the Cannes Film Festival.

Family Life

A French native, his artwork and photo career has taken him around the world.

Associations

Not only do his photos often deal with political and social commentary, he often takes photos of celebrities and stars like Cara Delevingne and Sean Penn.

Information related to JR (artist)

• The Standing March (2015).
• French graffiti artists
• French contemporary artists
• Pseudonymous artists
• French photographers