This past November, JR and his team began the creation of a new mural entitled The Chronicles of Miami. In just ten days, over 1,000 city residents and visitors had their portraits taken in JR’s mobile studio. 

JR’s studio, set up inside a 53-foot-long truck, visited ten different neighborhoods throughout Miami, including Wynwood, Little Haiti, Design District, Downtown, Liberty City, and Coconut Grove. Anyone who passed by was invited to have their portrait taken. Each participant was asked how they wanted to be represented and remembered, and then chose how they posed for their photo. In Little Havana, expert domino players, cigar rollers, and musicians were all photographed in action, practicing their craft in the neighborhood they call home.

The mural aims to create a narrative and highly realistic composition of Miami at this unique moment in time. As the city is known for its vibrant nightlife, the studio spent an evening in front of a club in Miami Beach to capture all of the decked-out partygoers. JR also set up his first ever poolside studio, where beachgoers and people lounging by the water could take their portraits right after a swim. 

After being photographed, each participant entered a recording booth in which they could share a story or experience. Some participants used their moment in front of the mic to talk about how they found themselves in Miami or how they see the city changing, while others spoke about their passions, issues that are important to them, and even their craziest nights out on the town. Each participant’s voice will be connected to their portrait through the “JR:murals” app once the mural is complete. 

Over the next year, JR and his team will work on collaging the portraits into scenes that capture the energy and spirit of Miami today. The Chronicles of Miami will eventually be displayed as a public art installation in the city. JR and his team are currently scouting the perfect location to showcase this beautiful work. 

Check out JR’s past Chronicles murals here, and stay tuned for more updates on The Chronicles of Miami.