French photographer/street artist JR is one of the burgeoning subculture's most respected talents for his artwork many view as a form of political protest, and his latest work 'Inside Out' continues his streak of creating challenging art by focusing on the predicament of the underprivileged.
JR's 'Inside Out' is a series of features a series of massive mural-like photographs posted on buildings around New York City, each creation serving as a protest piece aimed at raising awareness on the plight of Dakota Native Americans.
As a street artist, JR began his career in the early 2000s and made his first international impact with his 'Portraits of a Generation' series between 2004 and 2006, which saw him travel around Paris posting large (illegal) photos of young people from Paris' various housing projects. In the following seven years, JR has released a staggering six books and created dozens of projects across the world.
For his work as a street artist, JR received one of the coveted TED prizes 2011 this past March, garnering the semi-anonymous street artist $100,000. JR's work will be exhibited next at the La Villette art museum in September 2011.
Implications - In the last few years, street art and graffiti have moved from shunned subculture to a viable and burgeoning part of the art movement. Any company seeking credibility in the artworld would be wise to form a partnership with an accomplished or talented street artist, and allow them to create murals or pieces as advertising for the company. By attaching their brand to a developing art movement, the company shows they are on the forefront of contemporary pop culture and the art community.
Rebellious Protest Art
Street Artist JR Creates Massive Murals for Awareness
Trend Themes
1. Political Protest Art - The rise of political protest art presents opportunities for companies to partner with street artists to create impactful advertising.
2. Art as Activism - The trend of art being used as a tool for activism is on the rise, providing opportunities for companies to collaborate with artists to showcase shared values.
3. Murals as Awareness Campaigns - The use of massive murals as a medium for awareness campaigns offers companies a unique opportunity to showcase their social responsibility while supporting artists and social causes.
Industry Implications
1. Art and Culture - The growing trend of street art and graffiti as a legitimate form of art presents opportunities for businesses in the art and culture industry to collaborate with street artists for advertising and events.
2. Branding and Marketing - Companies seeking to align themselves with contemporary pop culture trends can partner with street artists to create impactful and unique advertising campaigns.
3. Social and Environmental Responsibility - Supporting artists and social causes through projects such as awareness campaigns using murals can enhance a company's image as socially and environmentally responsible.