France's Odd Habit of Celebrating Defeats, Including in Art
A critical opinion piece in artpress observes France's peculiar tendency to commemorate its defeats, exemplified by a bas-relief in Paris's 8th arrondissement that honors a victory won and then lost in 1940. The author extends this critique to the art world, citing Jean Clair's argument that the disappearance of avant-gardes should make way for a necessary return of academicism. The article laments that television often encourages rejoicing in such retrograde attitudes.
Key facts
- France sometimes celebrates its defeats in commemorations.
- A bas-relief in Paris's 8th arrondissement honors a victory won and lost in 1940.
- Jean Clair argues that the disappearance of avant-gardes should lead to a return of academicism.
- Television often invites rejoicing in retrograde attitudes.
- The article is from artpress, dated January 1, 1996.
Entities
Artists
- Jean Clair
Institutions
- artpress
Locations
- Paris
- France
Sources
- artpress —