Born in France in 1983, JR is a globally recognised artist instantly recognisable for his gigantic mono photographs – unguarded, soulful portraits that reveal the humanity behind local inhabitants that are then blown up and pasted on huge urban surfaces such as the sides of buildings, bridges, rooftops, trains, even cargo ships. His art installations, be they in the favelas of Brazil, on the walls of the Middle East, over the US-Mexican border fence, hanging from broken bridges in Africa or making the Louvre’s glass pyramid disappear in a 3-D optical illusion, combine powerful social statements that push the public to question vital subjects such as freedom, identity, responsibility, love, and limits.
Known for his carefully guarded anonymity and humility, JR founded the non-profit organisation “Can Art Change the World” to further his wish to use the power of art, culture, and education to bring about real social change around the world through individual projects in specific communities. “Casa Amarela Providência” is part of this initiative: an educational, art and social support centre founded by JR along with local photographer Mauricio Hora more than twelve years ago at the top of Brazil’s first favela, Morro da Providência, “Casa Amarela” is a sanctuary that aims to make art and culture accessible to all residents through a wide range of activities combining the arts, music, dancing, theatre, sports, and languages. Partnerships with local activists, artists and teachers have developed into exchanges with like-minded individuals from all over the world, allowing the favela’s residents to have access to over 600 artistic or language workshops a year.
Bedrock is a proud sponsor of Casa Amarela and we invite you to find out more about this important project, and others, through the following link: www.canartchangetheworld.net
Steep, erratically implemented US tariffs have shaken financial markets, business and consumer confidence, and the global economy. Growth is expected to slow—with the potential for a sharper deterioration if threatened ‘reciprocal tariffs’ are implemented later in the year. To be sure, the US can fall back on strong fundamentals including its technology leadership and greater dynamism and competitiveness than many peer economies—all of which Trump is keen to promote through supply side and tax reform. And the President has already retreated from some of his maximalist policy positions as the dollar sinks and US Treasury market swings wildly. But the volatility is likely to persist—and a ‘hard landing’ may yet close out this cycle. In this environment, we like precious metals and cash and government bonds, as well as hedge fund diversifiers
We sit down with Alex Ikonn, Co-Founder and CEO of Intelligent Change, to explore the deeply personal journey behind building a brand that has helped millions cultivate gratitude and intentional living. From being fired from a banking job to launching the Five Minute Journal and curating transformational wellness experiences, Alex shares how moments of adversity, purpose-driven product design, and a belief in inner growth shaped the foundation of Intelligent Change.
