JR Déplacé·e·s

The drama of migrants and refugees in the French artist's latest project.

JR Déplacé·e·s highlights the relentless issues faced by migrants and refugees, through the vision of JR, a celebrated street artist born in Paris in 1983. Widely acclaimed for his innovative projects that intertwine photography, public art, and a deep social commitment, JR tackles urgent global themes.

The plight of migrants and refugees, which has become an increasingly pressing subject, has long been a focus of JR's work. With the Déplacé·e·s project, initiated in 2022 and showcased for the first time in this exhibition, JR ventures into crisis zones spanning from war-stricken Ukraine to refugee camps such as Mugombwa in Rwanda, Mbera in Mauritania, Cucuta in Colombia, and Lesvos in Greece. His purpose is to evoke contemplation on the severe conditions faced by thousands due to conflicts, wars, famine, and climate change, while also reaching audiences typically excluded from the artistic and cultural scene.

The names Valeriia, Thierry, Kevine, Andiara, Angel, Jamal, Ajara, Mozhda, and Moise represent children encapsulating the forced migrations. By magnifying their portraits on monumental banners, JR re-establishes an identity for those stripped of it. Conceived on the occasion of the Turin exhibition, where these portraits are assembled for the first time, Déplacé·e·s also features a previously unpublished interview with JR, conducted by Arturo Galansino and Stéphane Malfettes.