“CRAYON NOIR”: DEFENDING FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION AND PRESERVING MEMORY WITH VALÉRIE IGOUNET

At the centre of this event is her graphic novel Crayon Noir (Black Pencil), a moving work that explores the symbolic power of the pencil in defending freedom of expression. In this book, Igounet revisits the story of Samuel Paty, a teacher tragically murdered in France in 2020.

This book goes beyond recounting a tragedy; it delves into the core values of freedom of expression, the transmission of knowledge, and the courage to confront intolerance. During this conference, Valérie Igounet reflects on the societal tensions exposed by this heartbreaking event.

A historian specialising in the study of Holocaust denial and far-right movements in France, Valérie Igounet is a leading figure in analysing misinformation and radical ideologies.

Holding a doctorate in contemporary history, she has authored several seminal works in these fields. As president of Conspiracy Watch, an organisation dedicated to debunking conspiracy theories, she actively works to decode and combat the spread of misinformation that threatens democracies.

She will explore the inspirations and processes behind creating Crayon Noir (Black Pencil) during the conference. Why this title? Because it symbolises the power of education and art and the significance of republican values transmitted through teaching.

As part of the PEAC (Pathway for Artistic and Cultural Education), this talk will be moderated by our Terminale students, Isaure and Sarah.

This evening presents a rare opportunity to hear from a passionate historian and engage in thought-provoking discussions on issues crucial to our time. Reserve your seat now for this inspiring event!

About the PEAC:
The PEAC (Parcours d’Éducation Artistique et Culturelle) is a French educational programme designed to enhance students’ access to art and culture through an integrated curriculum.

PEAC focuses on several key areas, including discovering artistic works, meeting artists, engaging in artistic practices, and participating in cultural projects. Its goal is to spark students’ curiosity, develop their artistic sensitivity, and foster their cultural growth.