The world of comics takes center stage at the Musée national d’art moderne at the Centre Pompidou. In the crossbeams on level 5, historical masters are in the spotlight, while in the room, contemporary authors engage in a dialogue with the Museum’s masterpieces.

In resonance with the permanent layout of the modern collection (1900-1960), six monographs dedicated to great comic book artists Edmond-François Calvo, Will Eisner, Hergé, George Herriman, Winsor McCay and Geo McManus are presented, highlighting iconic comic strips. Extraordinary sets are assembled around the masterpieces Little Nemo in Slumberland (Winsor McCay), Krazy Kat (George Herriman) and On a marché sur la Lune (Hergé).

In addition, productions of contemporary comics are exhibited, tributes by an author to an artist they consider as a major source of inspiration, inspired by a quote taken from one of their boards or by a more secret link. As visitors discover these multiple resonances through this interplay of echoes, they are invited to take a fresh look at the Centre Pompidou’s masterpieces while developing a more in-depth perception of contemporary comics. 15 authors engage in this confrontation: David B., Edmond Baudoin, Blutch, Philippe Dupuy, Brecht Evens, Gabriella Giandelli, Dominique Goblet, Emmanuel Guibert, Benoît Jacques, Éric Lambé, Lorenzo Mattotti, Catherine Meurisse, Joann Sfar, Anna Sommer, and Chris Ware.