Paris Post War: Art and Existentialism 1945-55

Saturday, May 26, 1945

PICASSO: Fascism must be fought, wherever it appears. We should fight against the tribunals now - they are much too indulgent with 'collaborators'. The Marshal himself - hasn't he escaped punishment, because of his age? If the Germans - God help us] - should come back and occupy France again, I'll tell you right now I would be the first to 'collaborate' with them. Yes, I would do business with them, I would make friends with them. And why not? There doesn't seem to be any reward for having resisted them. They are just passing a sponge over all the crimes, all the dealings. Understand it, if you want to . . .

From Picasso & Co, by Brassai, Thames & Hudson 1967

Paris Post War: Art and Existentialism 1945-55 at the Tate Gallery until 5 September.

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