Her thesis, titled “A True Artist Is a Free Artist? Conceptions of Freedom and Political Engagement Among Contemporary Canadian Artists,” offers a critical and nuanced examination of how artists understand and negotiate the idea of freedom in relation to political action, institutional structures, and creative expression. Through a rigorous and socially conscious lens, Brunette challenges assumptions about artistic autonomy and highlights the complex dynamics that shape the role of artists in public life.
This research makes a vital contribution to our understanding of the intersection between art and democracy, the symbolic weight of freedom narratives, and the societal responsibilities of creators. It exemplifies the kind of critical, interdisciplinary, and engaged scholarship that defines our faculty.
We extend our sincere congratulations to Edith Brunette for this well-earned honour.