JR: Graffiti Artist

JR is a 25-year-old middle-classman of the Parisian background. He never reveals his full name because he says it would add nothing to the art. In his teenage years, he tagged as a graffiti artist, but only started taking photographs when he was 17-year-old when he found a camera on the Paris Métro. JR calls himself an "urban artivist". He creates art that he displays on buildings in the Paris projects, walls of the Middle East, and other countries across the world. During the pasting phase, the community is allowed to take part in the artistic process. Like in Brazil, children became artists for a week. On October 20, 2010, JR won the TED prize for 2011. The TED Prize is awarded annually to an exceptional individual who receives $100,000 and one wish to change the world (Jr-Art.net).
JR also did a tour of European Street Art, observing the art of people who used the outdoor walls in their art. After meeting with the people of Paris and listening to their message, JR put portraits up on the streets, basements, and the roof tops of Paris. JR wanted to bring art into the street. For his work he has been called "Cartier-Bresson of the 21st century”. Between 2004 and 2006, JR created portraits of young people from the housing projects around Paris that he met. He called it “Portraits of a Generation”. At first this project was illegal, but it became official when the Paris City Hall covered its building with photos by JR (The