UNLEASHING THE IMAGINATION: AN ANARCHIST TOUR OF THE NATIONAL GALLERY OF CANADA [by Allan Antliff]

Unleashing the Imagination is a testament to the energy and vigor of French history, politics and heritage.  It begins with a study of Parisian artists who rebelled against the monarchy and then government in the 19th century and follows through to French artists in America and Canada of the early 20th century who spoke out against war and a society based on hierarchy and class privilege. 

This zine is wonderful because it includes images of each painting it refers to and it includes very good background on the histories behind each painting, painter and social climate.  Although I personally disagree with some of Antliff's interpretations of the paintings and his very critical view of the National Gallery's curators, overall, I am glad that Ottawa's Exile Press invested in this great alternative and useful guide to publicly owned art at the National Gallery.

For a copy of Unleashing the Imagination, contact Exile Infoshop.