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Philippe Sollers revisits his 1999 critique of France in artpress

opinion-review · 2026-04-23

In a 1999 article for artpress, Philippe Sollers reflects on his earlier piece 'La France moisie' published in Le Monde in January 1999. He reaffirms his views, drawing on references to Simone de Beauvoir, Sade, Picasso, and Giacometti. Sollers argues that the decay of the times stems from artists and writers failing to experience the present moment ('instant'). The piece is a defense of his original critique and a meditation on temporality in art and literature.

Key facts

  • Philippe Sollers wrote an article for artpress in April 1999.
  • The article revisits his earlier piece 'La France moisie' published in Le Monde in January 1999.
  • Sollers references Simone de Beauvoir, Sade, Picasso, and Giacometti.
  • He argues that the decay of the times is due to artists and writers not feeling the 'instant'.
  • The piece is a reaffirmation of his original opinions.
  • The source is artpress, a contemporary art magazine.
  • The article is titled 'Philippe Sollers, une perte en monde'.
  • The original article appeared in Le Monde in January 1999.

Entities

Artists

  • Philippe Sollers
  • Simone de Beauvoir
  • Sade
  • Picasso
  • Giacometti

Institutions

  • Le Monde
  • artpress

Locations

  • France

Sources