How to unite people through art (with JR) | How to Be a Better Human

Summary

In this episode of 'How to Be a Better Human,' host Chris Duffy interviews renowned street artist JR, known for his large-scale works that give a voice to the overlooked. JR discusses his journey from Parisian projects to global recognition, emphasizing the power of art to humanize and challenge perspectives. The conversation delves into JR's unique approach to engaging communities in his projects, the importance of storytelling in his art, and the transformative impact of his work, as seen in his 'Inside Out' project and his murals at a supermax prison.

Takeaways

• 🎨 Street artist JR is known for his large-scale photographic projects that humanize and give a voice to individuals often overlooked by society.
• 👁 JR maintains an air of mystery by always wearing dark glasses and a hat, ensuring the focus remains on his art rather than his identity.
• 🌐 JR's work has been displayed globally, from the Mexico-US border wall to the cover of Time magazine, showcasing his powerful use of public spaces for artistic expression.
• 👥 His art often involves collaboration with communities, emphasizing the collective nature of creation and the importance of shared experiences in the artistic process.
• 🏛 JR's projects have included social initiatives like a free film and art school and a social kitchen aimed at reducing food waste, demonstrating the intersection of art and social impact.
• 🤝 JR believes in the power of art to change perspectives and prompt dialogue, using his platform to challenge viewers to see beyond their own viewpoints.
• 📸 Photography is a tool for JR, but the process of pasting large images in public spaces is where his work truly comes to life, creating an interactive experience for the community.
• 💬 The 'Inside Out' project by JR allows people worldwide to submit their photos, which he prints and sends back for them to display, highlighting the universal desire to be seen and heard.
• 🏢 JR's work in a super max prison in California involved creating an image with the participation of inmates, capturing their humanity and giving them a platform to share their stories.
• 🛑 JR's art challenges the notion of walls as dividers, whether they are physical barriers between nations or symbolic barriers within societies, using his work to spark conversations about unity and understanding.
• 🌱 JR encourages individuals to start making a difference in their immediate surroundings, emphasizing that small, local actions can have a profound impact and lead to broader change.

Q & A

Who is the host of the 'How to Be a Better Human' podcast?

The host of the 'How to Be a Better Human' podcast is Chris Duffy.

What is the distinctive look of the street artist JR?

JR is known for always wearing dark glasses and a hat, which creates an aura of mystery around him as no one knows his exact appearance.

What is one of JR's most iconic works mentioned in the podcast?

One of JR's most iconic works mentioned is a giant photograph of a baby appearing to peer over the border wall between Mexico and the United States.

What was JR's art project at a super max prison in California?

JR's art project at the super max prison involved creating an image with the participation of inmates, which could only be seen in its entirety from the sky using a drone.

What is the purpose of JR's art according to the podcast?

The purpose of JR's art is to take photos of humans who are often seen as powerless or invisible and make their images monumental and iconic, forcing viewers to reconsider their own perspectives.

What is the name of the free app JR created for his project in the super max prison?

The app JR created is called 'JR Murals' and it allows users to click on any face in the mural and hear the story of the person depicted.

What does JR believe about the role of art in society?

JR believes that art can raise questions and challenge perspectives, but it's not the artist's place to provide answers or dictate how things should be done.

How does JR describe his upbringing and its influence on his art?

JR grew up in the projects outside Paris and was initially unaware of art. His discovery of graffiti and photography allowed him to express himself and tell the stories of his friends, which eventually led to his unique form of street art.

What is the 'Inside Out' project that JR mentioned in the podcast?

The 'Inside Out' project is an initiative where people can send their photos to JR, who will print them in large format and ship them back for free, allowing individuals to create their own public art installations.

How does JR approach working with communities to create art?

JR approaches community art by engaging with locals, understanding their context, and involving them in the creative process. He emphasizes the importance of the process over the final product and the interactions it fosters.

What is JR's perspective on the impact of art on individuals and communities?

JR believes that art can have a profound impact on individuals and communities by humanizing spaces and people, raising awareness, and prompting dialogue and change.