Class Acts

Linda Rainaldi, LLB'79, MA'16

After graduating from UBC Law in 1979, I returned to UBC in 2013 to pursue a Master’s degree in Art Education. My thesis examined the meaning and definition of outsider art, a unique genre that is outside the continuum of art history, outside the boundaries of art recognized by established art institutions, and outside the collective discourse of the mainstream art world.

I am pleased to announce my new book (published with English and French editions), which examines the underlying biases, ideologies, and social factors that inform the various approaches to outsider art, including myths surrounding mental illness, movements towards social inclusion, and movements away from the marginalizing effect of labels.

Most importantly, Outsider Art of Canada explores how we think about art and who is entitled to call themselves an artist. In this survey of outsider art in Canada, the first of its kind, the introduced artists have much to tell us about their need to create, unapologetically and without regard to public opinion.

Outsider Art of Canada was published by 5 Continents Editions, Italy.

A book cover depicting a figure painted in black on an abstract yellow background, with the title Outsider Art of Canada.

A book cover depicting a figure painted in black on an abstract yellow background, with the title Art Brut du Canada.