Mai '68 Exhibition

Overview

In May 1968, Paris was burning. Not literally, but with the fire of passionate students rioting for social liberties. They weren't the only ones fighting for their rights, with their demonstrations attracting widespread support. During the fray, they papered the city with a colourful array of posters, making their mark beyond their physical protests.

Now, almost 50 years later, artwork from the period tells a story — and it's one that Brisbane collector Ian Thompson has spent quite some time piecing together. For seven years, he's been collating original posters, newspapers, books and more, finding items that weren't meant to last but relate a tale that's certain to endure.

For the first time, he's opening his treasure trove of artefacts to Brisbane and sharing the passion contained within them. It's not quite the same as being there, but it's the closest you're likely to get to reliving this stunning chapter of history.

Images via Documents from May 1968.