Debate on 'Auteur Comics' in Art Press Special Issue
In October 2005, "Bande d'auteurs" (n°26) was released by Art Press, focusing on "auteur comics." Journalist Fabien Tillon criticized the publication for its limited and biased content, claiming that the term "auteur" is redundant and irrelevant to literature or painting. He pointed out the exclusion of politically charged works, such as Ptiluc's "Autopsie de mondes en déroute," Kawaguchi's manga, Anne Sibran's stories, André Juillard's poetry, and "Rwanda 94, descente en enfer." Tillon also remarked on the lack of representation for erotic comic artists and the financial difficulties facing the comics industry. In response, Bernard Joubert, the issue's coordinator, defended the emphasis on auteur comics to distinguish it from other publications, acknowledging that many artists were left out due to space limitations.
Key facts
- Art Press published special issue n°26 'Bande d'auteurs' in October 2005.
- Fabien Tillon criticized the issue for narrow selection and poor definition of 'auteur comics'.
- Tillon highlighted omitted artists: Ptiluc, Kawaguchi, Anne Sibran, André Juillard, Masioni, Grenier, Ralph, Gradimir Smudja, Farid Boudjellal, Emmanuel Lepage, Jean-Claude Götting, Jacques Loustal.
- Tillon noted absence of erotic comics artists Riverstone, Von Götha, Jacobsen.
- Tillon criticized economic neglect of comics sector and disdain for specialized comics press.
- Bernard Joubert defended the issue as a focused thematic exploration, not an encyclopedia.
- Joubert stated the issue covered university, silence, museums, schools, new forms of enunciation, and links with contemporary art.
- The debate reflects tensions between popular and high culture in comics.
Entities
Artists
- Fabien Tillon
- Ptiluc
- Kawaguchi
- Anne Sibran
- André Juillard
- Masioni
- Grenier
- Ralph
- Gradimir Smudja
- Farid Boudjellal
- Emmanuel Lepage
- Jean-Claude Götting
- Jacques Loustal
- Baldazzini
- Riverstone
- Von Götha
- Jacobsen
- Art Spiegelman
- Bernard Joubert
Institutions
- Art Press
- Phosphore
- BoDoi
- France 5
- Nouveau Monde éditions
Locations
- France
- Rwanda
Sources
- artpress —