Comics 1964 – 2024 exhibition at the Centre Pompidou
The Comics, 1964 – 2024 exhibition at the Centre Pompidou showcases exceptional modern and contemporary artwork.
The Comics, 1964 – 2024 exhibition at the Centre Pompidou showcases exceptional modern and contemporary artwork.
Celebrating comic art at the Centre Pompidou
To celebrate the adventurous spirit and wild creativity of comics, the Centre Pompidou in Paris is hosting an exhibition of modern and contemporary comic book art. Spanning six decades, the Comics, 1964 – 2024 is a group exhibition that covers a wide range of styles from across the globe. Newcomers to the world of comics and serious comic art aficionados will both be enthralled and intrigued by this remarkable exhibition.
Elevating the status of comic book art
Crédit : © Moebius Production
In the rarified air of the art world, comic book artists are often regarded as low-brow and their art dismissed as frivolous entertainment. This point of view, however, is not the case in France, where comic books occupy a special place in the cultural life of the country.
Comic books have been popular in France since the 1900s, but the form took a dramatic turn in the 1960s. Major artists were featured in comics and the artwork became increasingly daring and creative. This trend has continued until the present day. Comics are now globally regarded as high art worthy of serious consideration and recognition.
The Centre Pompidou has embarked upon a mission to elevate the status of comic book art with its Comics on Every Floor concept. All areas of the Centre Pompidou gallery will feature comic book artworks. The concept culminates in the group exhibition Comics, 1964-2024 held on the sixth floor of the gallery.
Comics on every floor
The Comics, 1964 – 2024 is the largest collection of contemporary and modern comic book art and the first time that a gallery has focused on works from Europe, Asia, and America, the three major areas of comic book culture.
The sheer scale of the exhibition is impressive. There are more than 50 artworks on display in the first hall alone, notable works include “Comics as a Medium for Self-Expression” by Art Spiegelman as well as works by artists such as Gilbert Shelton, Gébe, and S Clay Wilson. The sixth floor of the Centre Pompidou has 12 halls in total. Each hall has a specific theme, ranging from Counterculture to Fright, Literature, Dreams, History and Memory, Cities, and more.
The exhibition begins with a showcase of artworks from the underground movements of the 1960s. Included are works from the French alternative magazine Hara-Kiri as well as drawings from the renowned American country-culture comic book artist Robert Crumb. The popular French 1962 comic series Barbarella by Jean-Claude Forest is also featured.
Crédit: “Kyofu Jigoku Shojo”, © Hideshi Hino, 1982
As the visitor traverses the themed hallways, they are constantly surprised and entranced by the immense amount of work on display. Humorous comics are exhibited, such as the iconic Asterix by Albert Uderzo, Lucky Luke by Morris, and Calvin and Hobbes by Bill Watterson. No comic art exhibition would be complete without Peanuts, of course, and there are two original classic Charles M Schulz Snoopy drawings.
The exhibition contains confronting pieces from Japanese manga artists Hideshi Hino and Jiro Taniguchi and dreamlike visions from experimental artists such as Mœbius and Nicole Claveloux. Iconic classic American comics such as Batman, Superman, the Fantastic Four, Captain America, and the Sensational Spider-Man are proudly displayed along with a selection of digital artworks from contemporary artists.
Comics, 1964 – 2024 exhibition details
The Comics, 1964 – 2024 exhibition is being held in Gallery Two on the Sixth floor of the Centre Pompidou in Paris. The exhibition runs from the 29th of May to the 4th of November 2024.
Opening hours are from 11 am to 9 pm every day except Tuesdays. Tickets for the exhibition are available online or at the gallery and are priced at €17 for a normal ticket and €14 for concession tickets.
