In our first Art Fix episode ‘The City Is My Canvas’, we introduced you to this man of mystery: JR. Known only by his initials, this artist has gained just as much fame for his work as for his famous look: a black fedora and dark sunglasses, covering the face beneath. While his face remains a mystery, we do know lots about his trade. JR calls himself a “photograffeur”.
In his work he blows up giant versions of his photographs and pastes them on buildings, trains and bridges. Traveling to distant, often dangerous places, JR befriends inhabitants and recruits them as models and collaborators, almost becoming a local for a fleeting moment. JR’s magic lies in the messages behind his work, which often address sensitive and uncomfortable themes, all the while remaining respectful.
