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Le Refus global: Revolution in the Arts
On Aug. 9, 1948, a handsome young group of artists and intellectuals gathered at a Montreal bookstore to launch an anti-religious and anti-establishment manifesto. Le Refus global (Total Refusal) was signed by 16 artists including such giants as Jean-Paul Riopelle and Paul-Emile Borduas. It would become one of the most important and controversial artistic and social documents in modern Quebec society.

	The 'dark age' of Quebec		'Damn the holy water and the French-Canadian toque!'		The Automatists
	Quebec society is under the repressive thumb of the Catholic Church and the government of Premier Maurice Duplessis. (Radio; runs 1:06)		Le Refus global (Total Refusal) gives voice to a revolutionary movement in Quebec. (Radio; runs 2:04)		The Automatists spearhead an exciting and uniquely Canadian art movement. (Radio; runs 5:19)

	Public reaction to le Refus global is swift and harsh		Automatists suffer backlash		Automatists are celebrated 50 years later
	Paul-Emile Borduas pays a heavy price for his views. (TV; runs 1:42)		Artists who sign le Refus global manifesto also come under attack. (Radio; runs 8:37)		Le Refus global is hailed as the founding document of modern Quebec society. (TV; runs 0:47)

	Jean-Paul Riopelle's funeral causes controversy
	Fellow signatories of le Refus global refuse to attend his funeral because it's taking place at a church. (TV; runs 2:00)

LINKS Topic from Les Archives de Radio-Canada on the same subject Le Refus global, révolution totale External sites le Refus global - main text of the manifesto in French Time.com: Resplendent Anarchy - article on the Automatists The CBC assumes no responsibility for the content of external links.

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