L'art et la terreur dans l'après-attentats, Paris 2015 – Fred Le Chevalier et Renald Luzier

Abstract

This thesis explores the intersection of terrorism and art in response to the two high profile terrorist attacks in Paris: Charlie Hebdo, and the attacks of November 13th, 2015. First, I examine the historical and political context of the attacks, including the declaration of an “état d’urgence” immediately following the November 13th attacks, as well as the history of islamophobia in France. By analyzing the works of critics including Gilles Kepel and Patrick Boucheron, as well as integrating my own personal experience of being in Paris immediately following the November 13th attacks, I argue that the occurrence of a terrorist attack is a catalyst for the creation of powerful artistic works. The art created can serve two primary functions: a social tool to help unite and heal a community, and a form of personal expression. I then examine and analyze the works of two French artists who embody this hypothesis, street artist Fred le Chevalier and former Charlie Hebdo cartoonist Renald Luzier (Luz). I offer the hypothesis that Luz considers the art-terror relationship, whereas Le Chevalier does not.