French street artist JR, who has made a name for himself with his large-scale public art installations and sociopolitical commentary, has made his Lisbon debut with Through My Window at Underdogs Gallery. March 28 to April 19, 2025, the multidisciplinary show honors JR’s artistic trajectory while incorporating public engagement and collaboration. With his combination of photography, graffiti, and storytelling, JR continues to challenge norms and unlock the revolutionary power of art.
Who is JR?
JR, whose full name is Jean-René, was born in Paris in 1983. He is a globally renowned artist who is best known for his massive photographic installations in urban landscapes. Describing himself as a photograffeur (a mix of photographer and graffiti artist), JR began as a young graffiti artist before turning to photograph-based street art. His work often addresses questions of identity, liberty, and justice in society through the use of the streets as “the biggest art gallery in the world”.
A few of JR’s most significant projects are:
- Inside Out Project: A global interactive art project transforming personal messages into large-scale photographic portraits displayed in neighborhoods around the world.
- Faces Places: A documentary film that discovers rural France through art and narrative, co-directed with Agnès Varda.
- Women Are Heroes: A collection of visual installations of women’s narratives in war zones.
- Face 2 Face: A series of portraits of Israelis and Palestinians sitting together to break stereotypes.
JR’s ability to bring together action and art has earned him awards such as the TED Prize in 2011 and listing on Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in 2018.
The Exhibition: Through My Window
JR’s Lisbon premiere at Underdogs Gallery is divided into three different spaces:
1. Solo Exhibition: Through My Window
- Features 36 lithographs showcasing JR’s large-scale installations across the globe.
- Each work has an individual social or community narrative behind it, backed by audio testaments available on QR codes.
- Some of the features include works like Empreinte, a sculpture that was installed near Chauvet Cave in France to symbolize mankind’s desire to leave a mark in society.
2. Inside Out Project
- Enables public engagement through the ability of people to add their own portraits and histories.
- Continues JR’s work to democratize art and amplify the voices of marginalized communities.
3. Collaboration with Alexandre Farto (Vhils)
- One-off collaboration between JR and Lisbon-based street artist Vhils, blending their styles to create new work that embodies the cultural identity of the city of Lisbon.
The Impact of JR’s Work
JR’s work transcends conventional boundaries by directly involving communities and tackling urgent social issues. His installations have turned up in every environment from refugee camps to maximum-security prisons, turning spaces into sites of dialogue and transformation.
Some of his most popular work includes:
- Optical Illusion at the Louvre Museum: Challenged perceptions of space and history through visual manipulation.
- Tehachapi Prison Intervention: Collaborated with prisoners to produce artwork that humanized their lives.
- Refugee Camps Installations: Emphasized the resilience and testimonies of displaced people through large-scale portraits.
JR’s work, both visually affecting and inherently activist in its lineage, proves conclusively that painting can be deployed as a form of sociopolitical activism.
Why Lisbon?
Lisbon is now a thriving hub of contemporary art, and therefore it is the ideal location for JR’s inaugural exhibition. Lisbon’s rich history, multicultural heritage, and thriving street art scene are all an ideal match for JR’s style. Underdogs Gallery, committed to the promotion of urban art and to the creation of a dialogue between local and foreign artists, is the ideal location for JR to connect with the Portuguese people.
Limited Editions for Collectors
In addition to the exhibition, these limited edition lithographs can also be bought for sale at Underdogs Gallery. Pre-sale Viewing Room tickets became available online for sale from March 26–28, through which collectors had the opportunity to buy these distinctive pieces ahead of the general sale.
What Makes Through My Window Unique?
This series is not only distinctive in its visual beauty but also in its interactive and co-operative culture:
- Public Engagement: The Inside Out Project encourages visitors to become an active artist instead of a passive observer.
- Technological Integration: QR codes provide more information about each work of art, enhancing the experience of viewing.
- Cross-Cultural Collaboration: The cooperation with Vhils unites global perspectives with respect for local culture.
Conclusion
JR’s first exhibition in Lisbon is not merely an art exhibition; it is a celebration of togetherness, of collaboration, and the ability of art to change. Through My Window invites the viewer to witness JR’s world tour and reflect on their own role in being a part of society through art. Whether you are a keen collector or merely interested in street art of our times, this exhibition offers a special experience to view the work of one of the most powerful artists of our time.
