Paper & Glue

Paper & Glue is a documentary film that follows French street artist JR (Jacques-Israel), renowned for his massive, site-specific installations that combine large-scale photos and stencils. Since the early 2000s, JR has been on a mission to give a global voice to everyday people, often marginalized and overlooked, by amplifying their stories and experiences through his powerful public art. The film, also bearing JR's name, takes viewers on an immersive journey through his creative process, exploring the development of his signature style and his unwavering commitment to empowering individuals and communities worldwide. Shot on location in multiple countries, including Paris, Los Angeles, and Rio de Janeiro, the documentary showcases JR's ability to transcend borders and touch the hearts of people from diverse backgrounds. The documentary begins in Paris, where JR's early work as a graffiti artist and a member of the street art collective, The In Rock Group, laid the groundwork for his future endeavors. We witness JR's transformation from an enthusiastic young artist to a world-renowned artist who has earned the respect and admiration of both the art world and the people he engages with. As JR travels the globe, he sets up his studio in various locations, transforming abandoned spaces into vibrant workstations where he creates, paints, and prints massive, large-scale images from ordinary people's photographs. His signature style, achieved using a combination of collage and stenciling, allows him to transform public spaces into monumental works of art, speaking to the universal human experience. Throughout the film, we see JR's collaboration with ordinary people, from a homeless woman in Los Angeles to a Rio de Janeiro favela dweller. By amplifying their stories and struggles, JR's art transcends the physical confines of the space and enters the global arena, giving voice to those often silenced or ignored. We observe as JR engages with people from all walks of life, fostering a sense of community and connection through the process of creating art together. One particularly poignant scene takes place in a Brooklyn school, where JR works with a group of children to create a massive image on a school wall. As the children, each with their unique story to tell, become participants in JR's art, we witness a profound transformation - not only are they involved in creating something beautiful, but they also have the opportunity to express themselves freely. This scene encapsulates the power of JR's art, giving voice to those who have often been unheard. As JR travels to refugee camps in Rwanda and Sudan, we encounter the harsh realities of human displacement and the struggle for dignity in the face of unimaginable adversity. Through his art, JR gives voice to those who are often lost in the void of global politics and statistics, raising awareness of the urgent need for compassion, empathy, and understanding. Throughout the film, JR's passion for his art and his mission to give a global voice to the ordinary people, is evident. Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, from bureaucratic hurdles to the skepticism of some in the art world, JR remains committed to his vision. We see him facing difficult choices and decisions, but through it all, his dedication to his art and to the people he engages with remains unwavering. The most profound moments of the film come when JR brings his art to spaces of great historical and cultural significance. He paints a massive image on the ruins of a destroyed house in Gaza, a space where life was brutalized and disrupted by war. We see JR's work in the streets of Paris, a location with a complex history, both beautiful and painful. In each of these locations, JR's art brings to life the memories, struggles, and triumphs of the people, creating a shared sense of humanity and unity in the face of adversity. As the documentary reaches its conclusion, we are reminded of the power of JR's art and his message. While Paper & Glue is primarily a documentary about JR's creative process, it is also a testament to the transformative potential of art to uplift, to educate, and to inspire. Through his work, JR reminds us of our shared humanity, a reminder that transcends borders, languages, and cultures.