JR is a Parisian guerrilla photographer who mixes two styles: Graffiti and Photography to style himself as a “photograffeur”. His aim is to empower those who are impoverished in order to give them a place in society.
As part of his 28 millimetres project, Women as Heroes; JR travelled to Kibera in Nairobi, Kenya and took photos of female residents. He then returned a year later and covered 2000m² of rooftops with the photos blown-up. JR did this to show that “women are the ones holding the community together.” This empowers women in an area where there is a lack of equality between genders. This further reminds the community that women play an important role in society and that they have a positive influence.
The photos will be visible for a long time and will be a constant reminder to the people of Kibera. However, these photos have a practical use too. The photos were printed on vinyl in order to seal roofs of some homes, making them waterproof. The sheets of corrugated iron used in another part of the shanty town were distributed afterwards to those who had taken part as well. As a result, partakers have a better standard of living as well as feeling the benefits of being more empowered. It is questionable that JR’s work will only have temporary effects, but in the light of it, every person who sees his work will have experienced it and this awareness will have a long-lasting impact in itself. On the other hand, the practical side to the project only impacted the minority. Global Giving could create larger projects that constantly push forward the idea of empowering women in society, so it is possible to generate a longer lasting effect in society, instead of providing a one-off event.
References:
Design Boom; accessed March 2013; French Artist JR and his Kibera Photo Graffity Project in Kenya;
http://www.designboom.com/art/french-artist-jr-and-his-kibera-photo-graffity-project-in-kenya/
Wordpress; December 2010; Women are Heroes in Kibera Slum; http://communityhousing.wordpress.com/2010/12/03/women-are-heroes-in-kibera-slum/
Guardian News and Media Limited; March 2010; The Street Art of JR; http://m.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/2010/mar/07/street-art-jr-photography
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