Passé simple is a monthly magazine dealing with the French-speaking part of Switzerland’s past. Its vocation is to address all audiences and to invite a large number of specialists from all kinds of backgrounds. Apolitical and non-confessional, it aims to be both instructive and pleasant. It deals with various subjects, from the origin of wine in Valais to the fate of General Dufour, from the recipe of the Malakoff to the creation of the canton of Jura. The periodical devotes a large part to the history of art, mentalities, literature, wars, science, economics and politics. Passé simple also deals with events that ocurred from prehistory to the year 2000. The magazine favors narrative over demonstration. Its baseline says: « It happened close to yours, but slightly before. »
I was commissioned to illustrate their last publication about René Dubois in the 50’s who was an important figure of the Swiss Confederation Intelligence services if not their Head actually. Trapped in an international spiral, he ended up committing suicide.
Working with Passé Simple for the second time taught me so much.
I’m glad my work as an illustrator brings me to times and subjects I would never have primary interest for.
If you wish to know more about Passé simple: www.passesimple.ch