Teacher Resource Guide
Politics & Social Change
through the art of Paul-Émile Borduas
Grades K to 12
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, and more