Centre Pompidou Celebrates the History of Comics with “Comics, 1964-2024” Exhibition

Paris’s Centre Pompidou mounted a major exhibition, “Comics, 1964-2024,” from May 29 to November 4, 2024, exploring the evolution of the “9th art” – comics – from the mid-1960s to the present day. The exhibition, located on level 6 of the museum, showcased a diverse range of styles and universes, from Franco-Belgian comics and Japanese manga to American underground comics and contemporary abstract works.

A Journey Through Comic Book History

“Comics (1964 – 2024)” offered visitors a comprehensive journey through the modern and contemporary history of comics. The exhibition highlighted key moments and movements, including the rise of counterculture in the 1960s and the emergence of adult-oriented comics. It featured original artwork, sketches, and publications from influential creators.

Key Moments and Influences

The exhibition began by focusing on the 1960s, a period marked by significant shifts in the comics world. Initiatives began to target adult audiences, diverging from the traditional perception of comics as solely children’s entertainment. In France, the satirical magazine Hara-Kiri pushed boundaries with its graphic humor, while Jean-Claude Forest’s Barbarella was published in album format by Éric Losfeld. Simultaneously, in Japan, the avant-garde monthly Garo explored new concepts in author-driven comics. Across the Atlantic, Robert Crumb gained prominence with Zap Comix, leading the American underground comics movement.

Exhibition Highlights

The exhibition presented a wide array of materials, including original comic book pages, cover drawings, sketchbooks, and documentary elements. Works by Moebius, featured in “Starwatcher” (1986), were among the highlights. The presentation emphasized the diversity of the medium, showcasing various artistic techniques and imaginative worlds. Visitors could too explore reading areas for further engagement with the material.

Related Events and Programs

The “Comics (1964 – 2024)” exhibition was accompanied by a program of events, including family workshops such as “La BD, quelle histoire!” for children aged 2-5. A dedicated exhibition on Corto Maltese, the iconic character created by Hugo Pratt, was also presented at the Bpi, the Centre Pompidou’s public library.

Partnerships and Support

The exhibition was organized in partnership with the Hélène & Édouard Leclerc collection and received support from various media partners.