Norval Morrisseau
Merman Ruler of Water. Acrylic on Paper. Courtesy National Gallery of Canada.
Man Changing into Thunderbird, 1977.
In the art of the late 1960s and 70s in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, Norval Morrisseau broke through the ‘white’ art world. His work is receiving attention again in recent years due to the artist’s aging, and time for some over due attention. Major galleries in Canada are showing his work, and rethinking and retelling its origins. His work retells the stories that grandfathers and grandmothers once passed on to their children while some are myths and legends, most are about creation and lessons learned by interactions between spirits, human and animal. Some are also visions by Morrisseau that he painted. In the video clip below he talks about the healing powers of his practice. The voice over sounds condescending to me. He was a prolific painter. Enjoy.
“My art speaks and will continue to speak, transcending barriers of nationality, language and other forces that may be divisive, fortifying the greatness of the spirit that has always been the foundation of the Ojibwa people.”
“My goal is to break the barrier between the white world and mine. I wish only one thing, to be an artist and to be respected as one – and my paintings to be seen by all people.”
