Podcast
Questions and Answers
What was the initial reaction of the narrator when they reached Tijuana?
What was the initial reaction of the narrator when they reached Tijuana?
What motivated the narrator to ask the mother about her child?
What motivated the narrator to ask the mother about her child?
What did the mother hope would result from the photograph of her child?
What did the mother hope would result from the photograph of her child?
Where did the narrator find the best location for the photograph?
Where did the narrator find the best location for the photograph?
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What impression did the mother want the audience to have about people living near the wall?
What impression did the mother want the audience to have about people living near the wall?
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What was the primary subject of JR's artwork installed in Tecate?
What was the primary subject of JR's artwork installed in Tecate?
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How did JR first announce his new artwork installation?
How did JR first announce his new artwork installation?
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What was Kikito doing in the photograph installed by JR?
What was Kikito doing in the photograph installed by JR?
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What inspired JR to create this piece of artwork?
What inspired JR to create this piece of artwork?
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Who accompanied JR on his scouting trip to the border?
Who accompanied JR on his scouting trip to the border?
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What was the reaction of the family that JR encountered during his scouting?
What was the reaction of the family that JR encountered during his scouting?
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What does JR believe about the perspective of a one-year-old child regarding walls?
What does JR believe about the perspective of a one-year-old child regarding walls?
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What feature of the border does JR describe when getting closer to Tijuana?
What feature of the border does JR describe when getting closer to Tijuana?
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Study Notes
JR's Installation in Tecate
- JR, a French artist, installed a large photograph of Kikito, a toddler, at the border wall in Tecate, Mexico, near San Diego.
- The installation features Kikito appearing to look over the border fence from a crib-like perspective.
- JR shared the installation on Instagram, attracting significant public interest, and has included a Google Maps pin for visitors.
Artistic Inspiration
- The concept was inspired by discussions around political walls, particularly comments made by Donald Trump about a border wall.
- JR imagined a child's perspective regarding borders, noting that a toddler lacks political perception and sees walls differently than adults.
Creative Process
- For five months, JR scouted the border, aided by curator Pedro Alonzo.
- During the search, he met Kikito's family, who welcomed him into their home when he approached them near the border.
- JR initially considered using an adult's image but felt a child's perspective would carry more impact.
Collaboration with Kikito's Family
- Kikito's mother allowed JR to take his photograph on the condition that she would see it first before deciding to participate.
- The family hoped the artwork would change how people perceive them, countering negative stereotypes often perpetuated in the media.
Message and Impact
- The installation aims to humanize individuals affected by the border and portray them beyond criminal stereotypes.
- JR's work encourages viewers to see the broader human experiences behind political narratives and media portrayals.
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Description
Explore JR's thought-provoking installation in Tecate, featuring a large photograph of toddler Kikito looking over the border wall. This project, inspired by political discussions about borders, captures the unique perspective of a child and raises questions about adult perceptions of barriers. Learn about JR's creative process and the significance of this powerful artwork.