Abstract painting with thick, layered brushstrokes in white, black, gray, and red, creating a dynamic textured composition.
    Learn About

    Politics & Social Change

    through the art of

    Paul-Émile Borduas

    Grades K-12

    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.

    Learning Activities
    • Draw what’s in your mind
    • Class discussion on Refus global and manifestos
    • Create your own manifesto
    Related Subjects
    • Canadian and World Studies
    • English
    • French
    • Social Studies
    • Visual Arts

    Explore

    Other Resource Guides