JR Unveils Striking Artwork for Roland-Garros 2026

The official poster for the 2026 Roland-Garros tournament has been revealed, featuring a captivating design by internationally acclaimed French artist JR. The unveiling took place this Thursday, March 19, marking the official start of the season for the prestigious tennis tournament, which will start on May 24.

A Visual Fusion of Tennis and Art

JR’s poster is a striking photograph of a real production, showcasing a giant black-and-white eye overlaid with clay. The image captures a worker applying clay to a tennis court, a process often unseen by spectators. The artist explains he was fascinated by this “ritual” and its “graphic side,” noting that it’s a process typically hidden from view.

The Artist’s Vision

“I found photos that show how clay is placed on a court,” JR stated in a press release. “It fascinated me because it’s a process that we never see. When you arrive as a spectator, everything is ready. I had not imagined that the work of a maintenance person dispatching this clay could be so impactful.”

The artist further elaborated on the color contrast, stating, “This image kept coming back to me because it exudes something exceptionally powerful, particularly with this ocher color, contrasting with the black and white which constitutes my signature.”

JR’s Signature Style

The artwork prominently features JR’s signature black-and-white eye, surrounded by the distinctive red clay of the Roland-Garros courts. The artist expressed his surprise and excitement at being chosen to create the poster, stating, “I never imagined I’d create the Roland-Garros poster one day, so I’m still like a kid in awe of what’s happening and what’s to come.”

A Celebrated Artist

JR is a renowned contemporary artist, photographer, and filmmaker known for his large-scale black-and-white portraits pasted in public spaces around the world. His work has been exhibited in major cities like Recent York, Berlin, and Paris. He also collaborated with Agnès Varda on the documentary Faces Places in 2017.

Upcoming Project: La Caverne du Pont-Neuf

In June 2026, JR will unveil another monumental project: La Caverne du Pont-Neuf, a temporary art installation surrounding the oldest bridge in Paris. This project pays homage to Christo and Jeanne-Claude’s packaging of the Pont Neuf 40 years prior.

Roland-Garros Tournament Dates

The Roland-Garros tournament will be held from May 24 to June 7, 2026.