# JR: Artist asking if art can change the world

> French street artist JR uses massive public installations to spark hope and resist disconnection in an overconnected world.
- Title: JR: Artist asking if art can change the world · TIME
- Summary: French street artist JR uses massive public installations to spark hope and resist disconnection in an overconnected world. JR believes art's power lies in…
- Keywords: french street artist, public art, community art programs, paris, political art, social change, vatican, prison art programs, climate change, war, humanity, Artist
- Source: TIME — https://time.com/collection/time100-art/2026/jr
- Published: 2026-09-17T12:01:31.902+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: jr, french street artist, public art, community art programs, paris, political art, social change, vatican, prison art programs, climate change, war, humanity
## The artist asking if art changes the world
French street artist JR built his entire practice around one question: Can art change the world? His foundation supports community art programs globally.

> Can art change the world?
## Paris bridge wrapped in fabric
This summer, JR wrapped Paris's oldest bridge in fabric for a 13-day installation called La Caverne Du Pont Neuf, transforming it into a craggy mountainscape and cave-like space.
## Giant toddler at the border
In 2017, JR's mural Kikito featured a giant portrait of a real toddler peering over the California-Mexico border fence, making immigration personal and visible.
## Art programs in prisons worldwide
In 2019, JR worked with incarcerated people to create a mural in a California prison yard. Seven years later, his nonprofit has brought similar arts instruction to about 4,000 prisons worldwide.
## Wave inside the Vatican
On September 14, Pope Leo XIV inaugurated JR's installation of a colossal wave inside the Vatican's Apostolic Library, commenting on threats of war and climate change to knowledge.
## Art reminds us of our humanity
JR says all his work, even in violent zones, focuses on light, people, and hope. He believes artists must remind us of our shared humanity, especially now.

> It's in times like now, even more, we need artists to remind us of our humanity.
## Key takeaway

JR believes art's power lies in reminding people of their shared humanity, especially during times of crisis and division.