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

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Politics & Social Change through the art of Paul-Émile Borduas