In the past I’ve talked about how you can use your skills as a photographer to make a difference in the world, or in one person’s world. Even if you don’t think you’re good enough, you might be surprised in the power of the visual image and the photographic medium.
I came across this guy named JR a while ago, his TED talk was from 2011, but I thought it was worth sharing it again now as he’s still doing work through his InsideOut Project. They even made a documentary movie about it called InsideOut the People’s Art Project.
What he does is simple, and amazing at the same time. The bottom line is he takes photos, makes large black and white prints and uses glue to paste them up on display. The twist is that his images have great meaning, and he pastes them in public places for all to see, usually without permission and sometimes getting in him or his team trouble.
Watch his TED talk from 2011 to see how it started and what it’s all about below:
He has no corporate sponsorship or advertising, it’s all self funded. The stories his images tell and the people his project touches are amazing. They make statements.
Can art change the world?
Art can change the way we see the world. – JR
See the Best Of the Inside Out Project here
Okay so you may be thinking, “Wow that’s amazing but what has it got to do with me?” I hope it has inspired you to take action on something. Maybe to participate in this project, or do one of your own that’s close to your heart. The point is to do something, anything, and do it now.
I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do. Edward Everett Hale
It’s good for you, and it’s good for the people you choose to support. You can make a difference in one person’s world today – who is that person?
See his follow up TED talk from 2012 below:
