Communistes et surréalistes contre la « grande foire coloniale » de 1931 : convergences et initiatives séparées

Abstract

In the interwar period, almost all politicians, journalists and intellectuals – and, with them, public opinion – were adamantly convinced that colonialism was beneficial, both for France and for the “indigenous” peoples. The great International Colonial Exhibition of 1931 was a striking demonstration of these views. Nevertheless, a small but vocal movement emerged and spoke up against the Exhibition. Two key efforts stand out. The communist forces (the French Communist Party, but also the United General Confederation of Labor, the International Red Aid, the League against Imperialism and Colonial Oppression) launched a counter-Exhibition, enlisting the help of Surrealist intellectuals. A commendable effort, but a failure with the general public. The surrealists also organized their own project : a leaflet entitled “Ne visitez pas l’Exposition colonial” (“Don’t attend the Colonial Exhibition”), which contained a statement that has endured the test of time and remains as powerful today as it ever was.

Keywords

• Paris
• Communism
• Colonial Exhibition
• Surrealism
• Colonialism
• Counter-exhibition