Atlantic Civilisation 1953

Curator: André Fougeron's "Atlantic Civilisation," held in the Tate collection, confronts us with a panoramic vision rendered on a large scale. Editor: It’s initially jarring; a disturbing juxtaposition of imagery that feels both chaotic and deliberately constructed. Curator: Fougeron, deeply involved in post-war debates, used painting as a tool. Note how the industrial landscape and the squalor of poverty are set against symbols of colonial oppression. Editor: The posters, especially—those figures parachuting, a disturbing echo of exploitation. Even the guillotines speak volumes about power structures. Curator: Exactly. Fougeron’s material choices, from the canvas itself to the density of the paint, emphasize the weight of these socio-political concerns. This wasn't just about depicting; it was about presenting evidence. Editor: It's a powerfully unsettling collection of symbols. It seems Fougeron wanted to leave us with more questions than answers. Curator: Indeed, a stark reminder of the complexities inherent in our shared history.