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J.-L. Schefer critiques the image civilization myth

opinion-review · 2026-04-24

In a 1987 column for artpress, J.-L. Schefer challenges the prevailing notion that we live in a civilization of images. He argues that this claim, repeated for about twenty years, implies a collective mastery in making, reading, and living with images—a premise he questions.

Key facts

  • J.-L. Schefer wrote a column titled 'la guerre du feu' for artpress.
  • The column was published in the April 1987 issue.
  • Schefer critiques the idea that we are in a 'civilization of the image'.
  • The claim has been repeated for about twenty years as of 1987.
  • The notion implies better image-making, reading, and coexistence with images.

Entities

Artists

  • J.-L. Schefer

Institutions

  • artpress

Sources