As part of the Diagonale Euro Project, students from two high schools in Châlons-en-Champagne made four flags inspired by the style and passion for Jazz of journalist and cartoonist Cabu. They will be exhibited in Strasbourg on May 9.
Four flags, for a tribute to the famous caricaturist Cabu going from Châlons-en-Champagne to Strasbourg. As part of the Euro Diagonal Project (with the ambition of creating a diagonal between the EUROSCOL establishments of the three academies of the Grand Est) the students of Bac Pro Crafts and Artistic Professions option Upholstery from the Frédéric Ozanam high school were able to collaborate with those of Bac Pro Crafts and Artistic Professions option Multimedia Visual Communication from the Polyvalent Georges Brière high school in Reims.
The objective of the project? Highlight a local figure. Born in Châlons-en-Champagne, the journalist and cartoonist who tragically lost his life in 2015 was selected by the high school students, wishing to pay tribute to this name today associated with freedom of the press.
“When we talk about Cabu, we always think of caricatures, but it’s not just that. He was a real enthusiast of Jazz and Cab Calloway. We attended a conference on him given by a friend. His family validated the project and lent us works not known to the general public so that the students could get the best inspiration”specifies Cécile Bethlém, supervising professor on the project.
After immersing themselves in the artist’s life, the students divided up the tasks before entering a phase of hard work. A rare opportunity for collaboration between public and private high schools. “It was important for us to show them that we all have the same desires. Last year [lors d’un projet similaire], our students had preconceptions about others, and in the end, everyone made great friends, they are teenagers. It’s always important to show that social openness is possible.”rejoices Cécile Bethléhem.
The four flags, entirely designed to pay homage to the style of Cabu and to “his vibrant line”, now produced, will be exhibited at the European Village in Strasbourg on May 9 from 10 a.m. Before that, high school students will cycle from Châlons-en-Champagne to the European capital from May 6 to 9 to symbolize the civic and cultural commitment of young Arts Professions learners.
