JR Designs Official Poster for 2026 Roland-Garros Tournament, Featuring Clay Court Imagery

The French Tennis Federation has selected street artist JR to create the official poster for the 2026 Roland-Garros tournament, continuing a tradition that began in 1980 of commissioning contemporary artists. JR, a prominent figure in street art globally, will produce the 47th poster for the Paris Grand Slam event, scheduled from May 18 to June 7, 2026. His design centers on a large black-and-white eye made from photographic collage, a signature technique, inspired by the clay courts at the Porte d'Auteuil venue. The artwork is based on photos of maintenance teams sprinkling the ochre-colored clay, highlighting the unseen preparation process. JR noted his fascination with the textured, ever-changing nature of the clay surface. The poster itself is a photograph of a monumental installation placed on the Philippe-Chatrier court, the tournament's central stage. This selection follows past artists like Ernest Pignon-Ernest in 1994, Konrad Klapheck in 2009, and Fabienne Verdier in 2018, who have all interpreted different aspects of the competition. JR, known for projects such as 'Portrait of a Generation' and 'Face 2 Face,' often focuses on social themes, and here he aims to spotlight the invisible workers behind the scenes. Additionally, JR is planning a large-scale temporary installation titled 'La Caverne du Pont Neuf' for June 2026 in Paris, in collaboration with the Christo and Jeanne-Claude Foundation, following previous interventions at landmarks like the Louvre pyramid and Palais Garnier.