Commissioned in 1967 when Jean-Louis Quermonne led the Institute, as part of the "1% artistic" program, these two canvases signed "J.-M. Pirot" (the artist's civil name before adopting the name Arcabas in 1972) were initially installed in the council chamber, then restored and reinstalled in 2018 in the institution's main hall.
The two works, which respond to and oppose each other, are emblematic of the artist's oeuvre. "War", dominated by blue tones, is the more violent, echoing Picasso's work for the chapel in Vallauris. "Peace", brighter, evokes childhood and the joy of living. Both paintings already feature the graphic style, forms, and symbols that would make Arcabas renowned.
"War" is part of an important vein in his work: that of committed pieces through which the artist expresses his indignation at the violence of his time. Arcabas notably dedicated engravings to the Vietnam War and later created the polyptych Homage to Bernanos. These Grenoble paintings also coincide with another emblematic creation: the poster designed by Arcabas for the Grenoble Olympic Games in 1968.
The centenary of Arcabas' birth allows for the repositioning of this heritage of Sciences Po Grenoble - UGA within the context of a prolific body of work. Several events are dedicated to him in the region, including a major retrospective of 80 works at the Musée Hébert until January 31, 2027, and an exhibition on major sacred art projects at the Musée de la Grande Chartreuse until November 11.
