JR's Illusion on the Louvre Pyramid: A Mirage of Paper and Participation

In 2019, to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Louvre Pyramid, French artist JR (born 1986 in Paris) executed a remarkable optical illusion. This covert initiative involved draping the vicinity of I.M. Pei's pyramid with black-and-white paper strips, creating the illusion of a vast crater. A crew of 400 worked to install this artwork, intended for aerial observation, resulting in an anamorphic effect. This creation contrasted with JR's 2016 piece, which made the pyramid seem to vanish. Within a single day, visitors began removing pieces, a phenomenon JR welcomed, stating on March 31, 2019, "images, like life, are ephemeral." The project showcases JR's interest in public art and the balance between grandeur and transience.