Exhibition Mai '68

Starting May 29th, the Alliance Française in Brisbane invites you to attend the opening of a unique exhibition about the infamous Mai '68 Riots in France. The collection includes original posters, lithographs and other documents that relate to the mass riots that occurred all over France in May 1968. These riots still have resonance in France today, come along to the OPENING NIGHT (May 29th at 6.30pm) to learn about their importance with talks, wine and canapes.

What is Mai '68?

University students in Paris rioted for social liberties in May of 1968. Before long, most of the country too was joining the protest for social liberty and workers rights. These nation-wide riots spanned 2 months which included strikes, demonstrations and even conflict. More than just social liberties, these riots came to symbolise anti-capitalism, anti-imperialism and anti-Gaullism (against right-wing politics, headed at the time by Charles de Gaulle).

Promoting the ideals behind the riots were a series of poster campaigns that encapsulated the sentiment of the leftist movement. These were put up all over France and used techniques like screen-printing and lithography. Even though these posters were not meant for display in galleries, their historical and political importance has warranted their place as a social exposition at the Alliance Française de Brisbane.

About the collection

This private collection comes from a Brisbane home where collector Ian Thompson has been collating pieces for over 7 years. The collection is comprised of over 60 original posters and over 200 other documents (tracks, newspapers, books etc.).

On display in May and June at the Alliance Française de Brisbane will be a selection of his extensive collection with 15 of the most impacting and influential posters. On opening night, Ian will also display his collections of newspapers, magazines and posters.

To read more about the collector and his collection, check out his blog.

• RSVP here.