artpress2 Issue on French Song Explores Its Cultural Significance

The newest edition of artpress2, overseen by guest editor Philippe Forest, explores the diverse realm of French chanson. While Serge Gainsbourg deemed it a lesser art form, the publication contends that music holds a significant position in the shared cultural consciousness. Various writers and artists share their personal insights on influential singers and songs, whether positively or negatively. This issue outlines an unexpected history of French music, examines current developments from both well-known artists and underground labels, and investigates the burgeoning connection between chanson and contemporary art, emphasizing a longstanding interaction with visual culture. Notable contributors include Didier Arnaudet, Julien Bécourt, and Véronique Bergen, among others, with interviews featuring Stéphane Hirschi and Juliette Armanet, alongside articles on iconic figures like Juliette Gréco and Charles Aznavour.