After being awarded the $100,000 TED Prize, Paris street artist JR has finally revealed his wish/project to change the world. In this presentation he goes through a retrospective of his phenomenal work and at the very end announces his global art project.
Favela Photo
JR himself is skeptical about art's ability to save the world, but his assertion that art provides a neutral ground for discussion is worth considering. It is the conversation that art provokes that has the power to alter perceptions and change consciousness. The art itself is merely a vehicle to create these interactions and share individual stories.
So comes the Inside Out Project. In order to spread the untold stories of diverse individuals, JR asks that people all over the world upload black and white portraits to the website. He'll in turn mail you an oversized print of the image for you to post up in your own community. He's arming a global network of street art guerrillas. Since the project's launch on March 4th, 735 images have been uploaded and 150 posters posted. I'm assuming JR requests that people document the postings and send them back while his team will probably also attempt to visit many of these wall exhibitions.
Other ways to get involved include donating money or donating wall space. And JR stays true to his graffiti and street art roots by declining any sort of corporate sponsorship or money. (TED money is unconditional) That way he is only beholden to himself and the subjects of the art.
Here's to creating a worldwide sidewalk gallery ("expo dureau"?). Let us know if you participate in Inside Out. I may also try to upload a portrait and see what happens.
Bonus points to JR for rocking a jacket version of his favela wall postings. The Elvis Costello hat and glasses were also a nice touch to maintain his pseudo-anonymity.
So comes the Inside Out Project. In order to spread the untold stories of diverse individuals, JR asks that people all over the world upload black and white portraits to the website. He'll in turn mail you an oversized print of the image for you to post up in your own community. He's arming a global network of street art guerrillas. Since the project's launch on March 4th, 735 images have been uploaded and 150 posters posted. I'm assuming JR requests that people document the postings and send them back while his team will probably also attempt to visit many of these wall exhibitions.
Other ways to get involved include donating money or donating wall space. And JR stays true to his graffiti and street art roots by declining any sort of corporate sponsorship or money. (TED money is unconditional) That way he is only beholden to himself and the subjects of the art.
Here's to creating a worldwide sidewalk gallery ("expo dureau"?). Let us know if you participate in Inside Out. I may also try to upload a portrait and see what happens.
Bonus points to JR for rocking a jacket version of his favela wall postings. The Elvis Costello hat and glasses were also a nice touch to maintain his pseudo-anonymity.
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