Colonialism Quote by Albert Memmi
““Colonized painting, for instance, is balanced between poles. From excessive submission to Europe resulting in depersonalization, it passes to such a violent return to self that it is obnoxious and esthetically illusory. The right balance not being found, the self-accusation continues. Before and during the revolt, the colonized always considers the colonizer as a model or as an antithesis. He continues to struggle against him. He was torn between what he was and what he wanted to be, and now he is making of himself. Nonetheless, the painful discord with himself continues. In order to witness the colonized's complete cure, his alienation must completely cease. We must await the complete disappearance of colonization--including the period of revolt.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Colonizer and the Colonized, Albert Memmi, 1957
The quote describes the internal conflict of colonized artists, torn between imitation of the colonizer and a violent self-assertion, leading to ongoing alienation that can only end with the total end of colonization.
In simple terms: Colonized artists feel split between copying and rebelling, causing lasting self‑conflict.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and address internalized oppression.
Themes
identity
colonialism
art
psychology
conflict
Mood
reflective
critical
hopeful
Type
analytical
inspirational
When to use this quote
- art education
- cultural policy
- personal therapy
- community workshops
Key Concepts
cultural hybridity
self‑construction
alienation
postcolonial theory
Questions to Reflect On
- How does artistic expression reflect or heal colonial trauma?
- Can cultural institutions foster genuine self‑definition?
A Different Perspective
The struggle may persist even after political independence, as psychological scars remain.
