Menu
FREE ART CONSULTATION
PreviewPreview Buy print Buy printBuy Image Buy Image SendSend
DetailsDetails Add to favorites Add to favorites DownloadDownload SimilarsSimilars X-RayX-Ray DiaporamaDiaporama

1+1+1

Experience '1+1+1' by Alfredo Jaar – a thought-provoking 1987 installation exploring socio-political themes. Hand-painted reproductions available. Discover impactful art.

Alfredo Jaar is a Chilean artist renowned for thought-provoking installations exploring socio-political issues like war & representation through photography, film & architecture. Featured in Venice Biennale & MoMA.

Hand Made Oil Reproduction

Hand-painted oil on canvas in your size and frame, made to order by our artists.

P118B $10
P118H $10
P118W $10
P438Z $10
P508JH $12
P508YH $12
P805H $10
P805Z $10
P919BZ $10
P919G $10
P919XJ $10
P959ZH $10
P968JZ $12
W106C $8
W218G $10
W218JH $8
W218Y $10
W307PJ $10
W316G $10
W316PJ $8
W316Y $10
W398PJ $8
W4111J $10
W500HY $15
W500JH $15
W692G $12
W849H $8
W940BG $15
W953PJ $8

Standard
custom
CM
INCH

Pick from our preset sizes that match the artwork's original proportions.

width
height

You may enter your own dimensions to fit a specific frame or space. If your selected size does not match the original image's proportions, we will either crop the artwork or extend the painting with additional hand-painted elements. A digital mockup will be sent for your approval before production begins.
Please note that the on-screen preview does not reflect the actual cropping or extension. Only the mockup will accurately show the final composition.
While custom sizes are available, we recommend selecting a dimension from the predefined list to preserve the original proportions.

Examples of what can be changed: Replace face with customer photo; Add pet (e.g., replace cat with dog); Include hidden message in background; Change background landscape or elements.
After order, OriginalUniqueArt.com team will email client for instructions and provide a mockup preview

Worldwide Delivery () in 3/4 weeks instead of standard 5 weeks. (27 July). No compromise on quality.

why_choose_icon
Free Worldwide Express Shipping
why_choose_icon
High-Quality Linen Canvas
why_choose_icon
Full Shipping Insurance
why_choose_icon
Customs Tax Refund Guarantee
why_choose_icon
True Color Matching Guarantee
why_choose_icon
60-Day Return Policy (Defects Only)
why_choose_icon
100% Money-Back Guarantee
why_choose_icon
Bulk Discount Offer

Total Price

-

reproduction

1+1+1

Reproduction Medium

Reproduction Size

-

Total Price

-

Quick Facts

  • Title: 1 + 1 + 1
  • Subject or theme: Socio-political themes
  • Location: The Art Institute of Chicago
  • Artist: Alfredo Jaar
  • Movement: Conceptual Art
  • Year: 1987
  • Medium: Silver dye transparencies

Art Quiz

There is only one correct answer for each question.

Question 1:
What is the primary artistic style employed in Alfredo Jaar’s ‘1+1+1’?
Question 2:
The installation utilizes a technique that aims to create what effect on the viewer?
Question 3:
What overarching theme does ‘1+1+1’ explore according to critics and scholars?
Question 4:
Where was Alfredo Jaar born?
Question 5:
What prominent art institution showcased ‘Infinite Cell’?

Artwork Description

Alfredo Jaar’s “1+1+1”: A Meditation on Repetition and Perception

Alfredo Jaar's "1+1+1," created in 1987, transcends mere visual representation; it embodies a profound exploration of conceptual art—a deliberate challenge to conventional notions of aesthetics and a poignant commentary on the human condition. This striking piece resides within The Art Institute of Chicago’s collection, offering visitors an opportunity to contemplate its layered meanings and enduring influence. The artwork itself consists of three meticulously crafted silver dye transparencies mounted on a wall, creating a deceptively simple yet powerfully resonant composition. Each photograph depicts a single figure—a man—positioned centrally against a muted brown backdrop. The photographs share identical framing and tonal qualities, emphasizing the concept of repetition as a cornerstone of Jaar’s artistic vision. This deliberate mirroring underscores themes of identity and duality – suggesting that seemingly disparate elements can converge into a unified whole. Jaar's technique is rooted in photographic manipulation—a process he honed during his formative years in New York City. He skillfully employs silver dye printing, a method known for its ability to capture subtle nuances of light and shadow, resulting in images imbued with an ethereal quality. The careful selection of brown as the background hue contributes to a contemplative atmosphere, inviting viewers to consider the figure’s solitary presence against a backdrop of quiet contemplation. Historically, “1+1+1” emerged during a period marked by significant social and political upheaval—the aftermath of the Falklands War and the burgeoning anxieties surrounding globalization. Jaar utilizes this context to interrogate notions of representation and how images can shape our understanding of reality. The repetition of the figure serves as a visual metaphor for confronting recurring patterns of behavior and thought, prompting reflection on personal responsibility and societal dynamics. Beyond its formal elements, “1+1+1” resonates emotionally with viewers through its exploration of isolation and introspection. The stark simplicity of the image—the solitary man framed against a neutral background—forces us to confront questions about human experience and our relationship to the world around us. It’s an artwork that lingers in the mind long after viewing, prompting contemplation on themes of identity, perception, and the enduring power of visual language. The Art Institute's reproduction program offers collectors and interior designers alike access to high-quality reproductions of Jaar’s masterpiece—allowing them to experience its captivating aesthetic and intellectual depth within their own spaces. It stands as a testament to Jaar’s ability to transform photographic images into vehicles for profound artistic inquiry.

Artist Biography

Alfredo Jaar: A Visionary Sculptor of Socio-Political Narratives

Alfredo Jaar (born Santiago, Chile, 1956) stands as a singular figure in contemporary art, recognized globally for his immersive installations that grapple with profound questions concerning memory, representation, and the complexities of global politics. More than just an artist; he’s a sculptor of ideas—a provocateur who compels viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about history and its reverberations into the present day.
  • Early Life & Artistic Formation: Jaar's formative years were marked by constant relocation, beginning with his childhood in Martinique before returning to Chile. This nomadic upbringing instilled a sensitivity to diverse cultures and perspectives—influences that would profoundly shape his artistic trajectory.
  • Move to New York City (1982): Recognizing the dynamism of the American art scene, Jaar established himself in New York City in 1982, initiating a period of intense experimentation and stylistic evolution. It was here that he honed his distinctive approach—combining photography, film, architecture, and performance into powerfully resonant artistic statements.
Jaar’s artistic philosophy centers on the concept of “the gap,” as articulated in numerous interviews. He posits that there exists an irreconcilable difference between reality and its potential depictions—a chasm that artists must actively explore through inventive strategies. This conviction fuels his commitment to empathy, solidarity, and intellectual engagement within his work, aiming to foster dialogue and challenge conventional understandings of visual storytelling.
  • Notable Installations & Conceptual Art: His most celebrated projects include “Lament of the Images,” a monumental installation that utilizes photographic projections to dissect the impact of media on societal consciousness. Similarly, “The Rwanda Project” meticulously documented the aftermath of the Rwandan genocide, confronting viewers with the devastating consequences of conflict and prompting reflection on collective responsibility.
  • Architectural Interventions & Public Engagement: Beyond sculpture, Jaar has undertaken ambitious architectural endeavors—such as “Park of the Laments,” a sculptural park designed to commemorate the victims of AIDS—demonstrating his dedication to transforming spaces into vehicles for artistic expression and social commentary. His work extends beyond galleries; he actively engages with public institutions and communities, fostering conversations about urgent issues.
Jaar’s influence transcends stylistic boundaries, establishing him as a pivotal voice in conceptual art. He consistently pushes the limits of visual language to convey narratives that grapple with political injustices and explore the psychological dimensions of human experience. His commitment to confronting uncomfortable realities—coupled with his masterful manipulation of media and architectural forms—solidifies his position as one of the most significant artists of our time.
  • Recognition & Awards: Jaar’s accomplishments have garnered considerable acclaim, including a Guggenheim Fellowship in 1985, a MacArthur Fellow Award in 2000, and the Hasselblad Award for 2020—a testament to his enduring contribution to artistic innovation.
His work has been exhibited internationally at prestigious venues like Venice Biennale, São Paulo Biennial, Istanbul Biennial, and MoMA, cementing its place within the canon of contemporary art. Alfredo Jaar continues to inspire artists and thinkers alike with his unwavering dedication to confronting societal challenges through imaginative artistic endeavors.
alfredo jaar

alfredo jaar

1956 - , Chile

Quick Facts

  • Artistic Movement Or Style: Conceptual Art
  • Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist:
    • Minimalism
    • Photorealism
  • Artists Who Influenced This Artist:
    • Robert Grosz
    • Hans Bellmer
  • Date Of Birth: 1956
  • Full Name: Alfredo Jaar
  • Nationality: Chilean
  • Notable Artworks:
    • Lament of the Images
    • Rwanda Project
  • Place Of Birth: Santiago, Chile
Explore artworks organized by themes, styles, and characteristics.