JR

Laz Inc., London
Acquired directly from the above by the present owner

Steve Lazarides, The Outsiders, London 2008, p. 88, illustrated in colour

Colour: The colours in the catalogue illustration are fairly accurate, although the overall tonality is brighter and warmer in the original. Condition: This work is in very good condition. There are scattered irregularities to the surface of the print which are inherent to the artist's working process.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

French photographic street artist JR works in a high-visibility manner, often posting his giant monochrome images in public spaces such as rooftops, church windows and the sides of buses. He recently participated in the acclaimed urban art exhibition at the Tate Modern in London, embellishing the side of the giant Turbine Hall with the same striking image that is found in the present lot. This image is one of JR's most powerful and iconic, and first appeared in the Parisian suburb of Clichy-sous-Bois in 2004. The year after, a riot broke out in the banlieue and this ironic image came to epitomize the violence. "The media had a role," JR explained. "Each night they reported the number of cars burnt in one area, and other areas wanted to burn more. You think it's a gun and at the last moment, it's a video-camera. But a video-camera can be a gun. You never know if the media is giving you true or false information."