Giscardpunk

Nostalgia for the modernist France of Giscard and surrounding years.

Decade of origin

2010s

Creator/s

Florent Deloison

Key motifs

Brutalist architecture, the TGV, the Minitel, the Concorde, general infrastructure, nuclear energy, CRT computers, retro advertisements, nuclear power, cars, analogue technology

Key colours

Blue, grey, orange

Key values

French modernist movement, alternate history, technological and social progress, social and economic liberalism, industry, pro-nuclear-power movement, empowerment of France, nostalgia for 1970s and 1980s

Related aesthetics

Brutalism
Cassette Futurism
Cyberpunk
Modernism
Nostalgiacore
Pixel UI (Minitel)
Politicalwave
Retrofuturism
Webcore (Minitel)

Related brands

Minitel (TELETEL), Thomson (computers), HBN (computers), TGV, SNCF, Renault, Peugeot, Citroën

Giscardpunk is a term coined by artist, developer, and art and design teacher Florent Deloison. It designates a France-centric visual aesthetic and music genre closely aligned with Cassette Futurism and Retrofuturism. The movement celebrates, often satirically, the modernist era in France, encompassing technology, consumer goods, architecture, fashion, and graphic design, as experienced during the presidency of Valéry Giscard d'Estaing (1974-1981).

While primarily focused on this period, its scope also extends to the 1960s and late 1980s. Essentially, Giscardpunk is a French variation of broader nostalgia for this era, particularly regarding modernism and the then-contemporary concept of "progress."

Intrinsically linked to this aesthetic is a satirical alternate-history narrative, also created by Deloison, where Giscard d'Estaing was re-elected in 1981. This uchronia, deliberately dystopian and irrational, serves as a source of humor and memes for enthusiasts. However, it's important to note that much Giscardpunk content genuinely expresses admiration and nostalgia for the historical period, independent of the alternate timeline. Media associated with Giscardpunk need not adhere to the fictional lore. Thus, the aesthetic and the alternate-history narrative exist as distinct but interconnected elements, allowing fans to engage with them separately or simultaneously.

Politics[]

While the genre bears Valéry Giscard d'Estaing's name and might therefore be considered a form of Politicalwave, engagement with the aesthetic does not necessarily imply political allegiance to his ideology. Rather, Giscard's name serves as an umbrella term encompassing various elements of modernist French society during his presidency and the surrounding years, regardless of his direct or indirect association with them. In fact, some typical motifs, such as the TGV and Minitel, did not become commercially available or accessible to the wider public until after his departure from office.

Politics of Giscard[]

Valéry Giscard d'Estaing (often referred to as "Giscard" or "VGE"), a member of the right-wing Independent Republicans party, advocated for a centrist approach and societal reform upon his election in 1974. His presidency is notable for modernizing French society through reforms that advanced rights for women (legalizing divorce by consent and abortion), young people (lowering the voting age to 18), and disabled individuals (promoting their integration into economic and public life). In 1976, he outlined his vision for an "advanced liberal society," emphasizing state-driven economic growth and major industrial modernization projects, including the TGV and nuclear energy. He believed that fostering individual liberties, personal development, and a quality living environment was essential for centrist governance and appeasing the burgeoning middle class. Key domestic initiatives promoted by Giscard include the TGV, nuclear energy development, and the Minitel computer network. Internationally, he championed European integration and Franco-German cooperation.

History[]

While general admiration and nostalgia for the 1970s and 1980s has long existed, Giscardpunk, as a distinct France-specific aesthetic with its own connotations, motifs, and values, is attributed to artist Florent Deloison. He is the self-declared creator, having coined the term and established the aesthetic in 2013.

Lore[]

Deloison's official website outlines an eccentric and dystopian alternate history, an "absurd continuation" of 1960s-1980s French modernity. This narrative, veering into science fiction and surrealism, diverges in 1979 and culminates in 2012 with humanity's eradication by hamsters.

The timeline begins with French intelligence agents successfully concealing the Bokassa diamonds affair, preserving Giscard's reputation. This leads to his 1981 re-election with a 99.7% majority and the dissolution of the Fifth Republic.

Throughout this alternate timeline, France becomes a military, industrial, and nuclear superpower.

Key Events[]

1982: The French government uses a nuclear weapon against a Breton independence uprising.
1985: The La Défense district expands, destroying Paris's historic center.
1984: Giscard is assassinated and replaced by an interdimensional double via a nuclear-powered portal.
1986: Following a second assassination, Giscard is reconstructed as a cyborg using parts from a Thomson MO5.
1988: France Télécom develops a portable Minitel.
1989: A concert is held aboard the French spacecraft Hermes.
2009: This year is described as non-existent.
2010: France annexes Belgium.
2012: Genetically modified hamsters, the result of failed French agricultural experiments, conquer and exterminate humanity.

Visuals[]

Consumer Technology[]

Minitel[]

AnnuaireÉlectroniqueSaintMalo980 — The "Annuaire Electronique" directory for Saint Malo accessed using Minitel in 1980.

TGV1 — 1983 advertisement poster for the TGV.

The Minitel (initially TELETEL), a French videotex service developed in the late 1970s by Postes, Télégraphes et Téléphones, is a central element of Giscardpunk and a key link to Cassette Futurism and Cyberpunk aesthetics. Preceding the World Wide Web, it was launched commercially in the early 1980s, offering users access to information, online banking, shopping, and communication via computer terminals. Users navigated services using codes like '3615 SNCF' (national rail service) and '3615 LEMONDE' (Le Monde newspaper). Considered a pioneering contribution to personal computing, the Minitel remained in service until June 2012, with 10 million monthly connections in 2009.

Transport[]

Trains[]

The TGV (Train à Grande Vitesse), a high-speed train service developed in the 1970s and launched commercially in 1981, remains a widely acclaimed French invention. Its successor designs are still in use, and its technology is considered highly successful. Originally powered by an experimental gas turbine, the TGV, with its striking design and bright orange livery, became a symbol of French progress and futurism.

Cars[]

Giscardpunk prominently features French automobiles from the 1960s-1980s, particularly mass-market vehicles like the Renault 5 and futuristic concept cars such as the Citroën Karin.

Architecture[]

TourNight1973 — The Tour Montparnasse at night in 1973.

Futuristic and unconventional architecture is central to the Giscardpunk aesthetic. This element is frequently satirized in memes, which humorously depict the mass implementation of modern building styles, often disregarding traditional French architecture and landmarks.

Modernism & international style[]

Examples include:

Tour Montparnasse (1969-1973) - A controversial skyscraper located in Paris almost directly opposite the Eiffel Tower, standing in contract with the city's traditional architecture and skyline.
La Défense: Tour Areva - formerly Tour Fiat (1972-1974)
Espace Niemeyer (1968-1980)
L’immeuble en Vague (The Wave Building) - La Baule (1979)