The document discusses the street artist JR and his goal of using large-scale portraits displayed in public spaces to bring attention to social issues and give voice to marginalized groups. JR pastes oversized black and white portraits in cities around the world to showcase stories of survival and draw attention to subjects that usually cannot speak for themselves. Students will learn about JR's work and his belief that art has the power to promote dialogue and change when displayed outside of traditional galleries for all people to see.

1. LESSON OBJECTIVES
Students will learn about a street
artist named JR. They will learn
that art can make a difference
without just being displayed in a
museum. Everyone can make
art. Art can be used as a vehicle
to bring attention to social issues
speak to the world.

2. This is JR.
No one knows his real name. He refers to himself as a photograffeur, which puts
him somewhere between a photographer and a graf ti artist.

3. JR found a camera on the subway
in Paris and began to take pictures
and make art. His art is always
focused on people, and is bold,
black and white, and oversized.

4. JR sees the streets as his art gallery and always thinks about
where to put his art up. He always puts his pictures where people
can see them, and to make a statement.

5. WHY IS JR’S WORK IMPORTANT?
There are stories of survival and other untold stories of people that JR
wants the rest of the world to know about. JR decided to remain
anonymous because he wants bring attention not to himself but to
the subjects of his art.

6. “PORTRAITS OF A GENERATION”
“In the street, we reach people who
never go to museums.” -JR
This is his rst famous project, a
series based on those living in
Paris housing projects. This means
that people that were considered
outcasts were the subject of capti-
vating art that was seen daily by
everyone in Paris.

7. “WOMEN ARE HEROES”
This is part of his campaign called “Women are
Heroes” in Kenya. In this project, women who
are usually live in hardship are shown smiling.
This was a reminder to the women there to keep
hoping for a better life.

8. HOW IS JR DIFFERENT?
JR is different from other artists because his art is all about people. His art
captures the attention of everyone. It is hard to turn away from the portrait
of someone’s face. His art can be seen all around the world in Africa, Paris,
Middle East, and the US and encourages dialogue about subjects that don’t
have a voice and usually can’t speak for themselves.

9. In 2011, JR was the winner of the TED prize, a $100,00 prize granted to those
who wish to change the world. Past winners include Bill Clinton and Bono and at
the age of 28, JR is the youngest to receive the prize!

10. JR’s wish is coming true
through a movement called
“Inside Out” where he
invites people to upload
pictures of themselves on
his website. A black and
poster will be sent back
and is encouraged to be
put up as art.

11. HOMEWORK ASSIGNMENT:
Make your own art and make a difference!
Join JR’s art movement and nd a com-
puter and upload a picture of yourself or
someone that you would like to see as art.
Receive a poster and paste it in a public
place where people will see it.
OR
Create your own movement and nd an
issue that you would like to call attention
to. Make your own portrait about some-
thing that needs a voice and display it in a
place that is relevant (for older students)

12. SOURCES
http://jr-art.net/
http://www.tedprize.org/jr-2011-ted-prize-winner/
http://www.insideoutproject.net/