The Art of Revolution (event changed)

At The French Library Get Directions

Join us on April 3rd at 6:30 PM as we celebrate the opening of the second exhibition in our "May '68" series featuring original posters and nearly two dozen small reproductions.

Event Change: Due to a family illness, graphic art historian and author Michel Wlassikoff is unable to join us for the opening of our May '68 protest poster exhibit on Tuesday, April 3.

In his place, Steven P. Galante, the Center's chairman and curator of this exhibit, will give an appreciation talk on the posters. In the talk, Mr. Galante will show historical precedents for the posters. He will recount the story of how l'École des Beaux-Arts de Paris became "l'Atelier Populaire" and produced hundreds of posters in less than two months. Then, using an array of striking poster images, he will explore the creative interplay of visual, verbal and political elements that make the protest posters so remarkable.

Mr. Galante, whose collection of protest posters comprises a major part of the show, will draw on Mr. Wlassikoff's book, "May '68: l'Affiche en Héritage," as well as on other sources.

Please RSVP in advance if you wish to attend the opening.

Opening

Free

About this Exhibition

In time long before Internet and cell phones, student protesters relied on a centuries-old communications medium to broadcast their message and arouse passions: protest posters pasted on walls throughout Paris. Created by art students who occupied the ateliers of the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux Arts, the posters are remarkable works that combine satire, irony and verbal and visual punning to create humorous yet powerful political statements. The exhibit includes 10 original posters, along with smaller reproductions, that illustrate major themes and rhetorical techniques.

About the Book

On May 15, 1968, a poster workshop was created at the École des Beaux-Arts. A few days later, the occupants of the School of Decorative Arts founded the Atelier Populaire. For more than a month, general meetings brought together artists, students and workers daily to discuss the themes and slogans put forward in the posters that were produced the same day. Through the chronological presentation of some two hundred creations, this book traces the adventure of the Atelier Populaire, illustrated with rare photos on their operation, including those of Marc Riboud. It offers an unprecedented look at this exceptional production.

About Michel Wlassikoff

After graduating in history from the École des Hautes Études en Sciences Sociales (EHESS), Michel Wlassikoff went on to become a historian of graphic design and typography. He teaches in several art and design schools in France and abroad: the École Supérieure d’Art et de Design in Reims, the École Nationale Supérieure de la Photographie in Arles, the École Estienne in Paris, the École Supérieure d’Arts Graphiques (ESAG) Penninghen in Paris and the Haute École d’Art et de Design (HEAD) in Geneva. From 1991‑1998, he was editorial director of Signes, an authoritative review within the graphic design field; he has also written numerous articles for the main graphic design magazines in France and abroad.

Check out our partners' events: Northeastern University | Harvard University

May '68 Revisited: The Occupy Movement that Paralyzed France

This winter and spring, the French Library / Alliance Française of Boston and Cambridge, in partnership with Northeastern University and Harvard University, presents May '68 Revisited: The Occupy Movement that Paralyzed France. This months-long series of exhibitions, discussions, debates, film screenings, readings and other activities presents the viewpoints of authors, photographers, journalists, artists, academics, politicians and others to help you discover, appreciate and understand the impact of the May '68 uprisings.

Upcoming Events

See All Upcoming Events

Exhibition

Arthur Rimbaud from A to Z with French specialist Alain Borer, featuring artworks by Oana Lauric

Conference and Art exhibition

Wednesday, April 12, 2023 6:30 PM To 8:30 PM

The French Library is honored to welcome French Rimbaud’s specialist Alain Borer for a poetic night dedicated to one of the most well-known and talented French poet, Arthur Rimbaud.

Discussion Group

March Alors... Conversation Club

In-person, Indoor Event in French

Wednesday, March 29, 2023 6:30 PM To 7:30 PM

Seeking opportunities to speak French? Join us for our popular members-only conversation gathering.

Cooking Workshop

French winter antidote: croissant et chocolat chaud

In person Baking Event in French

Saturday, April 1, 2023 10:00 AM To 12:00 PM

Don’t you wish you could take a bite of a “just out of the oven” real French croissant, beurré à souhait and dip it in your morning coffee? Make your dream come true by rolling up your sleeves and join to Sonia to learn how to make delicious French croissants.

See All