JR’s Newest Exhibit Highlights Photography Initiatives Centered on Child Refugees
Renowned French artist JR continues to cast a significant spotlight on the worldwide refugee crisis with his emotionally impactful artwork in his latest solo exhibition, JR: Outposts, currently displayed at Perrotin London. Featuring 15 pieces drawn from two of his most socially conscious series — Déplacé•e•s and Les Enfants d’Ouranos — this exhibition underscores the artist’s enduring commitment to elevating marginalized voices, especially those of children who find themselves ensnared in the turmoil of displacement and global conflict.
A Monumental and Intimate Duality
Together, Déplacé•e•s and Les Enfants d’Ouranos illustrate a dual narrative approach: one that is grand in scale and the other intimate in feel. Beginning in 2022, Déplacé•e•s (which loosely translates to “Displaced”) showcases enormous 120-foot-long banners portraying children from refugee camps worldwide — including Ukraine, Rwanda, Mauritania, and Colombia. These compelling portraits are far from static museum exhibits. Rather, they were physically transported through the camps by local communities and captured from above, culminating in images that juxtapose joy with despair and playfulness with political unrest.
The banners frequently depict children in motions of running, smiling, and engaging in playful activities — providing a fleeting escape from harsh realities. However, when viewed from above against their often harsh environments, the innocence of the children becomes even more striking. These artworks operate as monumental interventions, transforming refugee camps into canvases and elevating communal acts of participation into public art.
Conversely, Les Enfants d’Ouranos (The Children of Ouranos) explores a more mythical and spiritual dimension. Also begun in 2022 as a complementary project to Déplacé•e•s, the pieces in this series portray children as luminous figures created through negative photographic prints transferred onto aged, reclaimed wood and highlighted with black ink. The title alludes to the Greek primordial god Ouranos, representing both the heavens and the inception of creation. Through these spiritually infused portraits, JR raises the children to the status of myth-like entities filled with mystique and hope. The silhouetted figures, set against void-like dark backdrops, evoke celestial or divine beings — contemporary symbols of resilience in a tumultuous world.
Themes of Hope, Divinity, and Future
Perrotin’s statement explains the philosophical intent behind the use of negative space in the Les Enfants d’Ouranos works: “The negative space enables JR to unveil what has, until now, remained unseen: the divinity of children radiating from their carefree innocence and creativity.” This concept of children as bearers of hope is pivotal to both series.
JR echoes this idea, expressing, “Each piece features a child who personifies the aspiration toward the future. The perspective introduces an element of hope in the simplest manner.” Through his lens, children are not merely victims of displacement — they are the central figures of potential futures waiting to be written.
Welcoming a New Art Landmark in London
JR: Outposts also signifies a monumental occasion for Perrotin Gallery, acting as the inaugural exhibition for its newly launched London space. Located in a renovated area next to the famed Claridge’s in Mayfair, the gallery enhances both luxury and accessibility in a region already rich in cultural and historical significance.
“London has always held a special place for me as it’s where I had my first gallery show back in 2008,” JR shared. “I’m honored to be the first artist showcased in Perrotin’s new location!”
This new chapter for Perrotin, which already has sites in cities like Paris, New York, Tokyo, and Seoul, brings JR’s socially resonant work to a broader European audience — enriching both London’s cultural landscape and the global awareness of the issues his art addresses.
An Exhibition That Transcends the Gallery Walls
What distinctly defines JR’s work is his ability to merge community, activism, and fine art into a cohesive experience that resonates both within and outside gallery confines. Déplacé•e•s and Les Enfants d’Ouranos are not merely visual experiences; they serve as significant social interventions. They remind viewers that behind every geopolitical headline lie children dreaming of laughter, creativity, and liberty.
As visitors journey through the immersive installation of JR: Outposts, they are not simply witnessing photographs — they are stepping into the emotional experiences of displaced lives. JR encourages his audience to reevaluate their perspectives, engage emotionally, and help envision a world where visibility, dignity, and humanity prevail.
Plan Your Visit
JR: Outposts is accessible to the public until May 3, 2025, at Perrotin London. Situated at Claridge’s Brook’s Mews in the epicenter of Mayfair, this new flagship gallery is not just an exquisite venue but a promising cultural center where international discussions are bound to continue flourishing.
For more details or to organize your visit,