In 1967, General Idea was founded in Toronto by AA Bronson (b. 1946), Felix Partz (1945-1994), and Jorge Zontal (1944-1994). Over the course of 25 years, they made a significant contribution to postmodern and conceptual art in Canada and beyond.

The group was both prolific and multi-disciplinary long before it became de rigueur. They worked across various media including photography, sculpture, painting, mail art, video, installations, multiples, and performance.   

"Manipulating the Self" is a paradigm of General Idea's wry humor, light-hearted parody, and general mischief. The project, initiated a year after their incorporation, highlights their early engagement with mail art.

Participants were asked to mail in photographs of themselves contorting their figure by stretching their hands over the side of their heads. With their contributions, the audience became both creator and subject, blurring the line between self-expression, and external influences and perception.

This lithograph is held in the permanent collection of the MoMA, New York; and the Musée d'art contemporain de Montréal.

Questions about this piece? Contact us, call +1.416.704.1720, or visit our Toronto Gallery.

"Manipulating the Self (Manipulating the Scene)"

Canada, 1973

Color offset photolithograph on wove paper

Signed (rubber-stamped) and numbered, by artist 

Published & printed by Galerie B, Montreal

From an edition of 65

29"H 23"W (work)

36"H 28.75"W (framed)

Very good condition.