Renowned artist JR has often used trains to create artwork in motion. His recent work, L’Observatoire on the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express, takes it to another level.
I could see clear blue skies in the background of my video call with JR, the French street artist turned global superstar. He was sporting a hat, dark sunglasses and a ready smile; accessories that are meant to protect from the Provençal sunshine but are also the signature of the elusive yet influential contemporary artist.
Known as an “artivist”, JR is celebrated for his impactful work that blends creativity with critical thinking. He uses streets and buildings as his canvas, and his multimedia pieces are often laced with poetic and progressive messages. From the Pyramids of Giza to the Louvre in Paris, JR’s public installations span large-scale photographs and trompe l’œil optical illusions that catch your attention and hold a deeper message.
When we talked, he was kicking off his annual summer break, where he intentionally slows down and largely stays put in the French countryside. “I travel so much and over the summer I stop flying and reboot,” he says. On the odd weekend, he indulges in his favorite mode of transport—trains—and takes short trips elsewhere in Europe.
JR, who grew up in the Parisian suburbs, has long been fascinated by trains. “I used trains early in my career—it’s an amazing way to take a piece of art from one place to the other.” One of his most memorable projects is ‘Women Are Heroes’ (2007), in which he placed eyes on a train carriage. “I love how your work gets to travel everywhere”.A New Journey
In 2020, JR sat down with Belmond, the luxury travel company whose iconic collection includes the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express (VSOE), a mythical train steeped in legend and whose name alone conjures the most glamorous journeys.
