This image emerged during the tumultuous events of May 1968 in Paris, a period marked by widespread protests, strikes, and social upheaval in France. Produced by the Atelier Populaire, a collective of artists and students at the École des Beaux-Arts, this artwork exemplifies their efforts to communicate revolutionary ideas through bold and accessible visual language. The Atelier Populaire, established at the height of the protests, used their work to challenge authority and broadcast the voices of those who opposed capitalism, traditional hierarchies, and state oppression. Their posters and prints became synonymous with the movement, offering a visual expression of resistance and solidarity.
Depicted here is a figure embodying both connection and critique. The acronym “ORTF” refers to the Office de Radiodiffusion Télévision Française, the state broadcast system of the time, which came under scrutiny for its perceived alignment with state interests. The imagery itself resonates with the pop art inflections and subversive spirit characteristic of Atelier Populaire, blending cultural critique with surrealist humour. This image reflects the profound interrelationship between media, power, and popular dissent, woven into the historical fabric of the May ’68 protests.