Fighting in exile. Artists and France 1939-1945

In the early days of the Second World War, numerous artists, intellectuals and fighters left their countries for exile elsewhere. Those who were being persecuted, those who opposed Fascism and Nazism, militants and political figures, intellectuals and artists – both French and foreign – left mainland France for other destinations, fleeing the Occupation and Vichy France to live in exile.

From London to Sydney, via New York, Brazzaville, Buenos Aires, Cuba and also Algiers, visitors can learn about the different careers and courageous commitments of a number of important characters. These include prominent figures such as René Cassin, Germaine Krull, André Masson, Wifredo Lam, Maria-Elena Vieira da Silva, Henry Valensi, Fernand Léger, Jean Hélion, Anna Marly, Micheline Rosenberg, Georges Duthuit, Jean Gabin, and many others.

In the early days of the Second World War, numerous artists, intellectuals and fighters left their countries for exile elsewhere. Those who were being persecuted, those who opposed Fascism and Nazism, militants and political figures, intellectuals and artists – both French and foreign – left mainland France for other destinations, fleeing the Occupation and Vichy France to live in exile.

“Fighting in Exile. Artists and France 1939–1945” exhibition offers a moving journey through the arts and history, revealing how exiled artists and intellectuals channelled their creativity into supporting the values of liberty.

This exhibition forms part of the national events commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Liberation. From the perspective of the arts, communication, education and the sciences, the exhibition sheds light on the intense cultural battle to gain the hearts and minds of neutral and allied countries. It also highlights the persistence of freedom of action and creation within the rallied territories. A “certain French spirit”, which was also defended by foreign artists that supported such values, such as the American sculptor and painter Alexander Calder.

This new exhibition is arranged in four geographical sections that retrace various forms of exile, and focuses both on Free France fighters and refugees living in exile outside Europe. Like General de Gaulle and his government, Free France fighters and intellectuals went to London where they led cultural and intelligence initiatives. In Marseille, the American Varian Fry was responsible for evacuating avant-garde artists and intellectuals to the United States.

From London to Sydney, via New York, Brazzaville, Buenos Aires, Cuba and also Algiers, visitors can learn about the different careers and courageous commitments of a number of important characters. These include prominent figures such as René Cassin, Germaine Krull, André Masson, Wifredo Lam, Maria-Elena Vieira da Silva, Henry Valensi, Fernand Léger, Jean Hélion, Anna Marly, Micheline Rosenberg, Georges Duthuit, Jean Gabin, and many others.

The exhibition’s scenography encourages visitors to share the destinies, emotions, battles and hopes, notably through the reconstruction of two iconic French sites within the United States: the New York studio of sculptor Ossip Zadkine, who had been living in exile since 1941, a true sanctuary of creativity and resistance; and the famous New York bookshop, Gotham Books, with its vibrant atmosphere where the French spirit flourished in the midst of war.

Curatorship

• Vincent Giraudier, Head of Department, Historial Charles de Gaulle
• Sylvie Le Ray-Burimi, Chief Heritage Curator, Head of the Fine Arts and Heritage Department 
• and with input from Carine Lachèvre, Assistant to the Head of Department, Historial Charles de Gaulle
• Assisted by Louise Le Bars