A look back at the "XXL Wrestling Figures" exhibition at the 88th Fête de l'Humanité

The 88th edition of the Fête de l'Humanité, which took place from September 16 to 18, 2023, in Essonne for the second consecutive year, marked the beginning of the cultural season in France. More than 430,000 visitors flocked to celebrate music, culture, solidarity, and participate in political debates.

The Art Weapon association, in partnership with United Souls, took this opportunity to present the exhibition "Figures of Struggles XXL," a significant collaboration with United Souls. Installed at the entrances to the Village Monde, this monumental exhibition highlighted portraits of emblematic figures who have marked the history of the struggle for civil rights.

Among these figures, festival-goers were able to recognize Nina Simone, an icon of music and the fight for civil rights, whose portrait was strategically placed near the Nina Simone-Zébrock stage.

Other figures, such as Amílcar Cabral , anti-colonial strategist, Oum Kalthoum , voice of Arab unity and identity, Cheikh Anta Diop , revolutionary historian, Maya Angelou , poet and civil rights activist, Fela Kuti , king of afrobeat, Marielle Franco , icon of the Afro-Brazilian queer struggle, or even James Baldwin , mediator and leading conscience for civil rights, was also honored.

The "Figures of Struggles XXL" exhibition allowed visitors to immerse themselves in the world of these committed figures, recalling their fierce fight for civil rights and social justice. By reflecting their legacy, it helped reaffirm the importance of activism in our contemporary society. The Fête de l'Humanité, seeking to enrich the presence of the visual arts, found in Art Weapon an indispensable partner to realize this ambition. Festival-goers frequently used the portraits as reference points: "I'm in front of James Baldwin," "Find me next to Nina Simone," or "The booth is right in front of Fela Kuti."

The inclusion of this exhibition in the Fête de l'Humanité strengthened the link between art and political engagement, demonstrating that art is a powerful vehicle for conveying essential social and political messages.

If you would like to host the "Figures de Luttes XXL" exhibition at your festival or city, please contact the Art Weapon association. This association is responsible for promoting the exhibition, along with biographical texts written by historian Azmat Boukari-Yabara.