JR Giants

Explores the history of street artist JR’s work in Brazil, focusing in particular on his Giants series

The photocollages of French artist JR (born 1983) have populated streets and skylines all over the world. But he decided to outdo himself at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio by creating what he called ‘his craziest work ever’: the Giants series. Perched on scaffolding, gigantic athletes leaped over abandoned buildings and swan-dived into the ocean. And, while his Giants were on show, the ‘Inside/Out’ photo booth was zapping out supersized prints of enthusiastic games-goers.

This volume explores the history of JR’s work in Brazil, beginning in 2008 with his work in Rio’s favelas and continuing today at the Casa Amarela, a culture and education centre for kids. Focusing particularly on the Giants series, the book offers insights into how the artist transforms places and spaces by focusing on the daily lives of their inhabitants.