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Claude Ollier's 'Simulacre' Suspends Writing as Life Wavers

publication · 2026-04-24

In 2013, Claude Ollier's writing and publication of new texts are suspended as life itself becomes uncertain. The ellipsis in the title 'Simulacre (2000-2009…)' marks this suspension. Ollier's literary journey began in the summer of 1943 in a forest near Nuremberg, where he, Alain Robbe-Grillet, and Bernard Dufour—then workers at MAN and Siemens—met as students. Decades later, each reflected on those years: Robbe-Grillet's 'Le Miroir qui revient' (1985), Ollier's 'Déconnection' (1988), and Dufour's 'L'Oranger des osages' (1990). The term 'simulacre' echoes Pierre Klossowski's use for his paintings, denoting the relationship to reality. Ollier's first book was 'La Mise en scène' (of reality), his second 'Le Maintien de l'ordre' (acting on facts). In 1982 on Pivot's show, discussing 'Mon double à Malacca', Ollier revealed his use of cassette tapes as substrate for writing about a stay with his five-year-old granddaughter in Malaysia.

Key facts

  • Claude Ollier's writing and publication are suspended as of 2013.
  • The ellipsis in the title 'Simulacre (2000-2009…)' indicates suspension.
  • Ollier's literary career began with a meeting in a forest near Nuremberg in summer 1943.
  • The meeting involved three students: Alain Robbe-Grillet, Claude Ollier, and Bernard Dufour.
  • They were workers at MAN and Siemens at the time.
  • Robbe-Grillet's 'Le Miroir qui revient' (1985), Ollier's 'Déconnection' (1988), and Dufour's 'L'Oranger des osages' (1990) reflect on those years.
  • The term 'simulacre' is borrowed from Pierre Klossowski's usage for his paintings.
  • Ollier's first book was 'La Mise en scène', his second 'Le Maintien de l'ordre'.
  • In 1982, on Pivot's show, Ollier discussed using cassette tapes as substrate for 'Mon double à Malacca'.
  • The book recounts a stay with his five-year-old granddaughter in Malaysia.

Entities

Artists

  • Claude Ollier
  • Alain Robbe-Grillet
  • Bernard Dufour
  • Pierre Klossowski

Institutions

  • P.O.L
  • HEC
  • MAN
  • Siemens

Locations

  • Nuremberg
  • Malaysia

Sources