World-renowned French artist JR, celebrated for his larger-than-life public art installations and poignant sociopolitical commentary, has made his much-anticipated Lisbon debut with Through My Window at Underdogs Gallery. Running from March 28 to April 19, 2025, this multidisciplinary exhibition not only traces JR’s artistic evolution but also invites public participation and collaboration. By merging photography, graffiti, and storytelling, JR continues to redefine artistic norms and harness the transformational power of art.
Who is JR?
Jean-René, better known by his initials JR, was born in Paris in 1983. He is a celebrated figure in contemporary art, renowned for his monumental photographic interventions in urban spaces. JR self-identifies as a “photograffeur” (a blend of photographer and graffiti artist), a term that reflects his seamless fusion of these two disciplines. His artistic roots trace back to graffiti, but he found his signature voice through photo-based street art.
JR’s works often tackle themes of identity, freedom, and justice, using the streets as what he calls “the largest art gallery in the world.” Over the years, his projects have become global phenomena, sparking conversations and inspiring change.
Highlights of JR’s Career
Some of JR’s most impactful works include:
- Inside Out Project
A global participatory art initiative that turns personal portraits into large-scale visual statements, displayed in public spaces worldwide. - Faces Places
A critically acclaimed documentary, co-directed with Agnès Varda, that explores rural France through the lens of art and storytelling. - Women Are Heroes
A vivid series spotlighting the lives and courage of women in conflict zones around the world. - Face 2 Face
A provocative series of portraits featuring Palestinians and Israelis together, challenging stereotypes and fostering dialogue.
Through projects like these, JR has bridged the gap between activism and art, earning accolades such as the TED Prize in 2011 and inclusion in Time magazine’s list of the 100 Most Influential People in 2018.
The Exhibition: Through My Window
JR’s premiere exhibition in Lisbon, hosted by Underdogs Gallery, offers an immersive experience that spans three distinct sections, each highlighting different facets of his artistry.
1. Solo Exhibition
Through My Window showcases 36 lithographs, each capturing JR’s monumental installations worldwide. Every work tells a unique story of community, resilience, or shared humanity. Visitors can use QR codes accompanying the artworks to access deeper narratives, including audio reflections that provide context and emotion.
A standout piece is Empreinte, a sculpture originally installed near France’s Chauvet Cave. This work symbolizes humanity’s primal need to leave its imprint on society, bridging the ancient and the modern through creative expression.
2. Inside Out Project
A highlight of the exhibition, this section invites direct participation. Echoing JR’s globally acclaimed Inside Out Project, visitors can contribute their own portraits and stories, ensuring the dialogue between artist and audience remains alive and dynamic. This element underscores JR’s mission to democratize art and amplify underrepresented voices.
3. Collaboration with Alexandre Farto (Vhils)
The exhibition also features a rare collaboration between JR and Lisbon-based street artist Vhils. Blending JR’s photographic focus with Vhils’ signature carving techniques, the duo creates works that embody Lisbon’s multicultural identity. This partnership merges their artistic languages into something entirely new, seamlessly connecting global and local perspectives.
The Impact of JR’s Work
JR’s art thrives on engagement, transcending physical boundaries and cultural divisions to address urgent social issues. His installations have brought life to spaces as diverse as refugee camps and maximum-security prisons, turning them into platforms for transformation and dialogue.
Notable Projects Include:
- Optical Illusion at the Louvre
JR reimagined this iconic Parisian landmark, using visual manipulations to play with perception and history. - Tehachapi Prison Intervention
A collaboration with inmates to create artwork that humanizes and shares their stories. - Refugee Camps Installations
Giant portraits in refugee camps that celebrate the resilience and personal histories of displaced communities.
Visually striking and socially charged, JR’s work continues to prove that art is not only a form of self-expression but a vehicle for activism.
Why Lisbon?
Lisbon is a flourishing hub for contemporary art and innovation, making it the ideal stage for JR’s first show in Portugal. The city’s rich cultural history, vibrant street art scene, and multicultural heritage align seamlessly with the themes of JR’s work.
Underdogs Gallery, a Lisbon-based art platform, is dedicated to bridging local and global art communities. Its mission to foster dialogue and collaboration makes it an excellent partner for JR’s socially conscious and people-focused approach.
Limited Editions for Collectors
To complement the exhibition, Underdogs Gallery offers limited-edition lithographs for purchase. These coveted works give collectors a chance to own a piece of JR’s artistry. A special pre-sale period, held from March 26 to 28, allowed buyers to secure these exclusive items ahead of the general public.
What Makes Through My Window Special?
This exhibition is more than just a visual showcase; it’s an experience rooted in interactivity, innovation, and cross-cultural exchange. What sets it apart includes:
- Public Engagement
The Inside Out Project puts visitors in the creative spotlight, transforming passive viewership into active participation. - Technological Integration
QR codes bridge the gap between art and narrative, offering deeper insights into the stories behind each piece. - Cross-Cultural Collaboration
JR’s partnership with Vhils reinforces the exhibition’s commitment to celebrating diversity and local identity.
A Celebration of Art as Activism
JR’s Through My Window exhibition in Lisbon is not just a showcase of artistic talent; it’s a call to action. By encouraging us to reflect on social issues through his distinctive blend of photography, storytelling, and graffiti, JR reminds us of art’s power to unite, challenge, and inspire.
Whether you’re an avid collector, a street art enthusiast, or simply someone curious about the intersection of creativity and activism, this exhibition offers a rare opportunity to engage with one of today’s most significant contemporary artists. Through My Window is a reminder that art is not confined to museums but lives and breathes in the streets, in people, and in the stories we choose to tell.
