Politics & Social Change
through the art of Paul-Émile Borduas
An artist, a teacher, and an anarchist, Paul-Émile Borduas (1905–1960) drove social change in Quebec throughout his career. Borduas founded the Automatiste movement, and in 1948 he co-created its manifesto, Refus global. This manifesto criticized the Catholic Church in Quebec as well as the government in power, led by then-Premier Maurice Duplessis, for their conservative policies. The manifesto would later influence Quebec’s Quiet Revolution during the 1960s, a period of intense socio-cultural transformation. This guide explores Borduas and the Automatistes’ artistic practices and activities.
- Draw what’s in your mind
- Class discussion on Refus global and manifestos
- Create your own manifesto
- Canadian and World Studies
- English
- French
- Social Studies
- Visual Arts
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