During the intense social upheaval of the Paris May 1968 demonstrations, Atelier Populaire—a student and worker collective formed at the École des Beaux-Arts—crafted visual works that became timeless expressions of dissent. This image, titled *Trop Tard CRS*, responds to the actions of the paramilitary police known as Compagnies Républicaines de Sécurité (CRS), who were deployed to suppress protests. The phrase “Le Mouvement Populaire N’a Pas De Temple” (“The People’s Movement Has No Temple”) alongside a reimagined architectural dome symbolises the collective and decentralised nature of the uprising. Bold lettering and imagery reflect the urgency of this grassroots struggle against institutional authority.
The visual vocabulary of Atelier Populaire, including this piece, was designed to tear down barriers between art and political action. Instantly recognisable for its stark and impactful aesthetic, the image stands as a testament to a movement that sought to challenge societal norms and reimagine power. These works transcend their origins as materials for protest; they currently serve as cultural artefacts, narrating a story of unity, resistance, and creativity amidst political unrest.
