JR is a French artist and photographer known for his large-scale public art installations. He began his career as a graffiti artist and later turned to photography, using his camera to document the lives and stories of people in communities around the world. JR’s work often involves pasting giant photographs onto buildings, streets, and other public spaces, creating striking and thought-provoking images that challenge viewers to think differently about social and political issues. He has created installations in cities all over the world, including New York, Paris, and Rio de Janeiro, and has been recognized with numerous awards and honors for his work. JR is also known for his commitment to social justice causes, and has used his art to raise awareness about issues such as immigration, poverty, and conflict.
He created a large scale installation located on the US-Mexico border wall near Tecate, California titled “Giants, Kikito”. The installation consists of a series of black and white photographs of people, mostly Mexicans, that are pasted onto the Mexican side of the border wall. The photographs are large enough to be visible from the US side of the wall, creating an image that appears to show people climbing over the wall or peering through gaps in the metal slats.
The installation was intended to draw attention to the human stories behind the debate over the border wall, and to challenge the idea that the wall can be an effective solution to issues of immigration and security. JR has described the installation as a way to “bridge the gap” between people on both sides of the border and to create a sense of connection and empathy.
The installation was controversial for some critics argued that it promoted illegal immigration and undermined national security. However, supporters of the project saw it as a powerful statement about the importance of compassion and human connection in a divided world.
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/07/arts/design/jr-artist-mexico-border-wall.html
drawing into space 