‘Algeria’ and the French Imaginary
‘Publicité, Centre ville, Alger, Algérie, 2008’ © Reda Samy Zazoun.
We aim to investigate the ways in which memory and understanding of Algeria has been constructed and mediated by the French mass and popular visual media during and since decolonisation. We will therefore consider the role played by a series of iconic figures and moments (the pied-noir, the harki, the beur, 17 October 1961) in structuring what can be termed the myth of ‘Algeria’, and the ways in which these co-ordinates have shifted or evolved since the time of the conflict itself. We also aim to explore the increasing interest over recent years in images of French Algeria, and examine the political and ideological implications of this Nostalgérie.
