Situationism | 29/09/2020

 Situationists were radical artists that were active in the 1950's and 60's in Europe (the post-war era). The Paris-based group were known for their radical political views and their influence on the May 1968 student and worker revolts in France. They were anti-capitalist and wanting growth of media and consumer societies. They believed in challenging the social system and that "the shift from individual expression through directly lived experience". The idea of going to work everyday and spending your life doing something everyday that you do not enjoy can damage someones ability to socialize and is a contribution to why some people behave erratically and/or irresponsibly. They wanted people to experience the world more, take on adventures and overall enjoy the most out of what the world offers. Instead of being tied down by what is expected of them and the capitalism that they felt controlled them. 


"Ne Travaillez Jamais"

This was a famous quote and art piece that was seen all over France through the use of graffiti. Guy Debord was responsible for painting the words onto the streets of Paris which translated to "Never Work". This piece of graffiti was said to be important to Debord and his life. 



"Sois Jeune et Tais Toi"


This poster translates to "BE YOUNG AND SHUT UP" and presents a silhouette of a man (Da Gaul) silencing a young boy. It represents how the system wanted students and all the young people rioting to be quiet and just accept the status-quo. That is why the silhouette is of a police officer, to show the government was enforcing this too.
This really represented how a lot of young people, students and protesters were feeling at the time; controlled and ignored. That is why the idea of 'making noise' and going against the social systems and its expectations was so important.





"All that was once directly lived has now become mere representation"
- Guy Debord

"Young people everywhere have been given the choice between love and a garbage disposal unit. Everywhere they have chosen the garbage disposal unit"
- Ivan Chtcheglov

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