Migrants, Ibrahim, Mingora-Philadelphia

JR is celebrated for his iconic black and white photographic murals. His striking images are enhanced by their strategic placement in public space. For Open Source, JR continued his exploration of immigration by pasting a monumental portrait of an otherwise unknown immigrant on a building in Philadelphia’s Center City. The mural, Migrants, Ibrahim, Mingora-Philadelphia, highlights the personal histories of the millions of anonymous immigrants who leave everything behind for a chance at a better life in this country. It depicts Ibrahim, a Philadelphia resident who immigrated to Philadelphia from Pakistan.

This project was part of Open Source, a citywide exhibition that brought 14 extraordinary artists from around the world to Philadelphia. They worked with Mural Arts Philadelphia and guest curator Pedro Alonzo to create a new series of public artworks that explore and illuminate Philadelphia’s diverse urban identity.