Chaumont Festival Expands Beyond Posters to Embrace New Graphic Arts

The 14th International Poster and Graphic Arts Festival in Chaumont, France (May 23–June 29, 2003) acknowledged the declining monopoly of posters in the contemporary landscape, expanding its program to include new media and a younger graphic scene. Alongside traditional components—international poster competition, student competition, and historical collection—the festival featured a tribute to Savignac, the exhibition "Super" curated by Thomas Bruggisser and Michel Fries showcasing European workshops, and a stunning presentation by M/M (Paris) titled "Icônes, indices, symboles" at the Jesuit chapel. M/M (Paris) displayed video clips for Björk, an historiated alphabet, and various publications, with their work complemented by specially designed black-and-white "sucettes" furniture for a series of posters for the Théâtre de Lorient. The festival highlighted the enduring value of books over hangings and the creative camouflage principle of M/M (Paris).