Photography project to turn the world ‘Inside Out’

• Posted By: Kathy M.Y. Pyon
• Posted On: 1:12 p.m. | March 4, 2011

On Thursday French street artist JR announced his wish to change the world as the recipient of the TED prize. His wish is a call to all of us, citizens of the world, to use photography to turn the world “Inside Out.” JR’s wish requires active participation and feels like an art movement in a true global sense at a time in history when the global community is more connected than ever. Today, someone from halfway around the world that speaks a different language can see the photography you upload in almost real time. It gives us a significant opportunity to make even the most superficial connections with one another.

His photography is art, yet it is beyond just art. His work tells the story of the human condition as he brings his subjects to the forefront of conversation. His work is uncomplicated. Defined. Direct. Immediate. His use of the world as his canvas with very little care of the life of the actual pieces speaks volumes of the soul and purpose of the work. When speaking on his project Face 2 Face, he says, “The people in the street, they are the creator, the rain and the wind will take them off anyway. They are not meant to stay…”

This TED project plays an active role in bridging societies and culture and creates a time capsule of the current times. Let’s participate and witness.

A photo gallery of JR’s recent Los Angeles public art project, “Wrinkles in the City” can be viewed here.

Caption: Screen grab of JR speaking at the TED conference in Long Beach on Thursday.