Exhibition Explores History of Anarchism Through Art and Media

Exhibition title and scope

The exhibition Ni Dieu ni maître examines the history of anarchism through 500 artworks, including paintings, screen prints, newspapers, posters, and vinyl records. It spans from the Paris Commune to the present day, highlighting key moments and figures in the anarchist movement.

Exhibition location and duration

The exhibition is on display at the La Piscine museum in Roubaix until January 24, 2027. It features a wide range of materials that reflect the evolution of anarchist thought and action over time.

Featured artworks and artists

Among the highlights are a pointillist painting by Maximilien Luce, which shows bodies lying in the streets of Paris, and anarchist posters in red and black that reflect the demands of demonstrators. Artists such as Félix Vallotton and Théophile Alexandre Steinlen are also represented.

Historical and political materials

The exhibition includes historical publications like Almanach de la Révolution and L'Assiette au beurre, as well as engravings and screen prints that caricature political figures or call for revolt. A drawing by Edmond Grandjean for the Antiparliamentary Revolutionary Committee is among the notable pieces.

Contemporary and idyllic images

The exhibition also features works by Paul Signac, including a powerful image of a victorious worker. It concludes with contemporary examples, such as comics, showing the ongoing relevance of anarchist themes.

Criticism and proposed title change

Some have criticized the exhibition’s scenography for lacking the disorder that might better represent the anarchism movement. The mayor of Besançon, a city where the exhibition will later be shown, has suggested renaming it L'Art en liberté! to emphasize artistic freedom.

Political implications and themes

The proposed title change has been interpreted as an attempt by more conservative groups to challenge the intersection of art and anarchism. The exhibition emphasizes the continuity of anarchist demands over the past 200 years and the consistent responses from those in power.