Description
Let yourself be captivated by the power of the stories told by every line, every colour, every detail.
Discover: drawings by the children of Izieu, the vintage books that inspired them, drawings by deportees, original comic strips...
The temporary exhibition *Papivores! A Thirst for Expression* showcases artists who, through their drawing, sketching and colouring of pages, evoke a multitude of emotions within us.
‘Papivore’ was the term used by Miron Zlatin to describe children. They used paper and drawing—artistically for the most gifted, childishly for the youngest—to recount the dreams and stories of the time.
At the end of the war, or even sometimes in the camps, scribbling on pages was, for some, a means of escape or of putting into words what no words were strong enough to describe.
In recent years, artists of the 9th art have been ‘putting pen to paper’ to tell the story of Izieu and that of their own families. A true tool for passing on memories, drawing thus becomes a universal narrative that touches each and every one of us.
Let yourself be surprised by the power of the stories told by every line, every colour, every detail. Come and discover drawing as a language!
Not to be missed
In the display windows of the Zlatin Gallery, you will find original works from the archives of the Maison d’Izieu and from the artists’ private collections.
Drawings by children from Izieu and the books that inspired them offer a glimpse into life in Izieu – the lives of children just like any others, who loved to draw what surrounded them and brought them joy.
Sabine Zlatin’s life as an artist is also highlighted by the presence of the first book she published with Denise Mantoux and Monique Frélaut: Survivants.
Following on from the Max & Otto Comic Book Festival held in April 2026, original drawings, sketches and comic strips from the world of comics are on display. The portrayal of Izieu holds a special place, whilst allowing family memories to fulfil their role in passing on the story.
This exhibition brings a certain gentleness that contrasts with the power of the commemorative dimension conveyed by the drawings. Younger visitors will be able to enjoy the exhibits at their own level and try their hand at folding their own ‘Papivores’ paper aeroplanes.
On display at the Maison d’Izieu until 2 November.
Admission: included in MUSEUM or MUSEUM + MAISON tickets
