JR's 'So Close' Installation at The Armory Show 2018
From March 8 to 11, 2018, The Armory Show in New York will showcase 'So Close,' an installation by French artist JR (born in Paris, 1983). Curated by Jen Mergel, this work is part of the fair's 'Platform' section and includes large canvas portraits of refugees at the entrance, featuring archival images alongside photographs taken by JR in 2017 at a Jordan refugee camp. This piece builds on his earlier 2014 'Unframed' installation at Ellis Island. The Armory Show, established in 1994, draws in 65,000 attendees and hosts 200 galleries. JR, who received an Oscar nomination for 'Visages Villages,' also has a solo exhibition at Steve Lazarides' gallery until February 28, 2018.
Key facts
- JR will present 'So Close' at The Armory Show from March 8 to 11, 2018.
- The installation features portraits of migrants on a large canvas at the fair entrance.
- Includes archival photos and shots from JR's 2017 visit to a Jordan refugee camp.
- The work is a continuation of his 2014 'Unframed' installation at Ellis Island.
- Jeffrey Deitch and Artsy promoted the project.
- Deitch called JR a rare artist combining artistic innovation with political engagement.
- The Armory Show attracts 65,000 visitors and 200 galleries.
- JR is Oscar-nominated for 'Visages Villages' with Agnès Varda.
Entities
Artists
- JR
- Jeffrey Deitch
- Leonardo Drew
- La Bruce High Quality Foundation
- Sarah Cain
- Beth Campbell
- Tara Donovan
- Jeffrey Gibson
- Amalia Pica
- Alex Schweder
- Ward Shelley
- Berndnaut Smilde
- Elmgreen & Dragset
- Sir Richard Long
- Mary Sibande
- Wang Xin
- Agnès Varda
- Steve Lazarides
- Colin de Land
- Pat Hearn
- Matthew Marks
- Paul Morris
- Jen Mergel
Institutions
- The Armory Show
- Artsy
- Artnet
- Artribune
- Ellis Island
- Immigrant Hospital
- Steve Lazarides gallery
Locations
- New York
- United States
- Paris
- France
- Jordan
- Ellis Island
- Rio de Janeiro
- Brazil
- Tecate
- Mexico
- San Diego
- Piers 92 & 94
- 711 12th Avenue at 55th Street
- New York, NY, 10019