Artist JR Drapes the Duomo of Naples with 600 Huge Local Portraits
Photo: Salvatore Laporta
With their prominent and often grand display, murals are frequently seen as participatory, yet JR aims to make that connection even more tangible. The French artist has been crafting murals of monumental size since 2017, intricately woven into the urban landscape—and its inhabitants. Named Chronicles and inspired by the work of Mexican muralist Diego Rivera, this series focuses on capturing the likenesses of hundreds of locals and assembling those images within communal spaces. The latest installment of Chronicles has now debuted in Naples, marking the series’ first venture into Italy.
The Chronicles of Naples envelops the front of the city’s Duomo, engaging not only with its striking architecture but also with the local community itself. Last year, during a week in September, JR documented over 600 local individuals, representing a rich tapestry of cultural and social backgrounds from seven different neighborhoods. This collage portrays a lively and immersive depiction of those who inhabit Naples; among them is a woman riding a scooter with two kids, a duo of chefs crafting a sumptuous dish, boxers confidently raising their gloved fists, numerous dogs, and throngs of people leading their full lives.
“Naples is one of the most fascinating cities in Europe,” JR stated, “because its vibrant life and energy are unmatched anywhere else.”
To create such a rich composition, JR photographed his subjects against a green screen with uniform lighting before assembling each portrait. Thus, every figure in The Chronicles of Naples gets equal focus, showcasing their uniqueness and personality even within a larger, more unified multitude. This approach exemplifies JR’s democratic ethos, which often champions the perspectives of his subjects, be they refugees, women, or the elderly. Even Gaetano Manfredi, the mayor of Naples, acknowledges the mural’s potential to both enhance and engage with Naples’ heritage.
“Through public art, even sacred spaces can convey new interpretations and serve as conduits for powerful collective messages,” Manfredi noted. “With JR’s creation, the facade of Naples’ Duomo transforms into a kaleidoscope of humanity, mirroring the many souls of the city.”
In addition to taking over the Duomo with The Chronicles of Naples, JR has also organized a complementary exhibition at Intesa Sanpaolo’s Gallerie d’Italia. The exhibit, titled Who Are You, Naples?, features three additional murals from the Chronicles series crafted in France, Cuba, and the United States.
“Through Who Are You, Naples?, JR encourages everyone to contemplate how they wish to be remembered,” Gallerie d’Italia explains. “This project—merging art and participation, past and present—seeks to ignite fresh dialogues, foster unexpected interactions, and provide the city with a portrait in which every resident can see themselves.”
Who Are You, Naples? is currently being showcased at Gallerie d’Italia until October 5, 2025.
The Chronicles of Naples, the latest mural in JR’s Chronicles series, embodies the cultural heritage of Naples through over 600 portraits of local citizens.
Photo: Salvatore Laporta
Photo: Salvatore Laporta
Photo: Salvatore Laporta
JR remarks, “Naples is one of the most captivating cities in Europe because its lively atmosphere, its energy, cannot be replicated anywhere else.”
Photo: Salvatore Laporta
The mural is also paired with an exhibition titled Who Are You, Naples?, at Gallerie d’Italia, running through October 5, 2025.
Photo: Salvatore Laporta
Photo: Salvatore Laporta
Photo: Salvatore Laporta
Photo: Salvatore Laporta
Photo: Salvatore Laporta
Photo: Salvatore Laporta
Exhibition Information:
JR
Who Are You, Naples?
May 22–October 5, 2025
Gallerie d’Italia – Napoli
Via Toledo, 177, Naples 80134
Gallerie d’Italia: Website | Instagram
My Modern Met has granted permission to showcase photos by Gallerie d’Italia.
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