The Palais de Tokyo in Paris has removed Cameron Rowland’s Replacement (2025) from its façade. The work, which was commissioned for the ongoing exhibition ECHO DELAY REVERB curated by Naomi Beckwith, consisted of installing a Martinican flag where the French flag normally hangs above the Palais de Tokyo’s entrance.
The caption accompanying the work states: ‘The French flag on the façade of the Palais de Tokyo is replaced by the flag of Martinique. Since it was colonised by the French in 1635, Martinique has been part of France. Martinique remains part of the French nation-state as an overseas department. France remains reliant on Martinique. Black Martinicans have pursued the end of the French rule for 390 years.’ It also explains how black rebels have worn red, black and green (the flag’s colours), since 1665 as a ‘rallying sign’. A new caption has been added below, which reads: ‘Palais de Tokyo has determined that Cameron Rowland’s artwork Replacement could be considered illegal. As a result it is no longer included in the exhibition.’
ECHO DELAY REVERB is on view at the Palais de Tokyo, Paris, through 15 February 2026.
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