THE IMAGE. A statue in Rouen in homage to forgotten figures in French history
Through Mathieu Normand
Published on
the Pantheon of the Forgotten, an operation orchestrated by SOS racism and partner associations, was presented to Rouen (Seine-Maritime) on Place Foch on Wednesday November 17, 2021 as part of a grand tour de France before Joséphine Baker’s pantheonization on November 30. This statue of more than two meters makes tribute to forgotten and unknown figures in the history of France.
Illustrated faces are projected above the bust, accompanied on the plinth by the name of each protagonist and a biographical summary. “This serves to show people from diverse backgrounds, women, who have participated in the greatness of France on a cultural or historical level”, indicated Désiré Kalombo, referent in Rouen of the association, within a committee in the process of being created.
Three associated artists
Three artists worked on the realization of the Pantheon of the Forgotten:
– Gregos imagined the plaster bust with its integrated screens,
– Amandine Gaïda illustrated the figures represented,
– Fabio Pin made the wooden base.
A hundred names to find
This ephemeral exhibition, launched during the Heritage Days last September in Paris, feeds several objectives: that of the balance of representations in the public space, the awareness of citizens, and the education of young people, as children. in the center of towns and memories a famous name, more or less known and sometimes marginalized, such as those of Pierre Bergé, Rachid Taha, Jean-Marie Tjibaou, Yacine Kateb, Dora Schaull or even the Nardal sisters.
“These people are visible on the statue and on an Instagram account”, specifies Fiona Hiloia, the project manager. The list is not immutable. A few names from Rouen could even be added to it on a proposal from the City, which for its part is carrying out a local memorial collection.
The project indeed resonates with those of the City, which participated in setting up what is happening in a short time. “We are not in a community logic, but in a form of universalism”, comments the mayor Nicolas Mayer-Rossignol, who sees in it a “question of fair representation and fair education”. “It’s a great initiative that is complementary and consistent with the political idea we are promoting. “
The statue will be removed on the evening of November 17, 2021, heading for a day in another city, but it could return as part of educational operations in the future.
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