Special Project ~ Inside Out

Spring 2011

“Inside Out” was “a large-scale participatory art project that transformed messages of personal identity into pieces of artistic work.” This global project was spearheaded by Parisian street artist, JR, winner of the 2011 TED prize. The TED (Technology, Entertainment, Design) prize is given every year to an “exceptional individual,” and consists of $100,000 and “one wish to change the world,” according to its website.

Biola’s Contemporary Photo Practices, taught by associate professor of photography, Kurt Simonson, participated in JR’s “Inside Out” project by photographing over 300 members of the Biola community ranging from students to facility services employees to President Barry Corey--posting these black and white photos online, and then pasting large-scale prints of some of the best portraits around campus.

The “Inside Out” project was meant to show the Biola community how art can promote unity rather than division. One of the goals of “Inside Out” was to encourage the campus-wide discussion of art and diversity. "In thinking more deeply about the meaning behind the project, it became clear that God was directing things more than we even realized,” photography major Lauren Wilk said.

The project began with photos of the students involved being posted on the windows of the art department, and spread to installations across campus, including the SUB, the steps leading from Common Grounds to the Flour Fountain, the University Library and the steps of Metzger Administration Building.