Affichistes

Affichistes refers to a group of French artists who emerged in the mid-20th century, primarily known for their work with found posters and collage. These artists would often peel away layers of discarded posters from urban walls, using these fragments as their artistic medium. The process itself was a form of deconstruction and reassembly, revealing hidden histories and textures within the urban environment. Key figures associated with the Affichiste movement include Raymond Hains, Jacques Villeglé, and Mimmo Rotella, although Rotella was Italian and worked independently, his approach shared many similarities. Their work challenged traditional notions of art by incorporating everyday detritus and engaging directly with the visual noise of the city. The peeling of posters was not merely a destructive act but a transformative one, giving new life and meaning to the ephemeral advertisements and political slogans that adorned public spaces. The resulting artworks often possessed a raw, dynamic energy, reflecting the fragmented and transient nature of modern life. The Affichistes are considered an important precursor to later movements such as Nouveau Réalisme, with which some of them were also associated. Their legacy lies in their innovative use of found materials and their profound engagement with the urban landscape as a source of artistic inspiration.