Recap of the "Figures de Lutte XXL" Exhibition at the 88th Fête de l'Humanité
The 88th edition of the Fête de l'Humanité, held from September 16 to 18, 2023, in Essonne for the second consecutive year, marked the beginning of the cultural season in France. Over 430,000 visitors gathered to celebrate music, culture, solidarity, and to participate in political debates.
The Art Weapon association, in partnership with United Souls, took this opportunity to present the "Figures de Luttes XXL" exhibition, a significant collaboration with United Souls. Positioned at the entrances to the Village Monde, this monumental exhibition highlighted portraits of iconic figures who left their mark on the history of civil rights struggles.
Among these figures, festival-goers recognized Nina Simone, an icon of music and the civil rights movement, whose portrait was strategically placed near the Nina Simone-Zébrock stage.
Other notable figures included Amílcar Cabral, an anti-colonial strategist, Oum Kalthoum, a voice for Arab unity and identity, Cheikh Anta Diop, a revolutionary historian, Maya Angelou, a poet and civil rights activist, Fela Kuti, the king of Afrobeat, Marielle Franco, an icon of the Afro-Brazilian queer struggle, and James Baldwin, a mediator and advanced conscience for civil rights.
The "Figures de Luttes XXL" exhibition allowed visitors to immerse themselves in the world of these committed personalities, reminding them of their fierce fight for civil rights and social justice. By reflecting on their legacies, the exhibition helped reaffirm the importance of activism in today’s society. The Fête de l'Humanité, aiming to enrich its visual arts presence, found an indispensable partner in Art Weapon to bring this ambition to life. Festival-goers frequently used the portraits as meeting points: "I’m in front of James Baldwin," "Meet me by Nina Simone," or "The stand is just across from Fela Kuti."
The integration of this exhibition into the Fête de l'Humanité strengthened the connection between art and political engagement, demonstrating that art is a powerful vehicle for conveying essential social and political messages.
If you would like to host the "Figures de Luttes XXL" exhibition at your festival or in your city, feel free to contact the Art Weapon association. This association is responsible for the exhibition’s dissemination, accompanied by biographical texts written by historian Azmat Boukari-Yabara.
