Norval morrisseau biography artist

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Anishinaabe artist Norval Morrisseau (–) is considered by many to be the Mishomis, or grandfather, of contemporary Indigenous art in Canada. The creator of the Woodland School of art and a prominent member of the Indian Group of Seven, Morrisseau is best known for using bright colours and portraying traditional stories, spiritual themes, and political messages in his work. Heralded as “the key figure at the centre of an indigenous art movement in Canada” by the National Chief of Assembly of First Nations, he shattered societal prejudices and stereotypes in the s.

“When Norval Morrisseau arrived on the Canadian art scene in , he was something of an anomaly. At a time when enforced assimilation was national policy and First Nations had only recently been accorded the right to vote in federal elections, few Indigenous people made art that was viewed as contemporary within the narrow fr

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NORVAL MORRISSEAU
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Norval Morrisseau

BIOGRAPHY

Norval Morrisseau was born in Fort William (now Thunder Bay) May 14, He died in Toronto on December 4, “My art speaks and will continue to speak, transcending barriers of nationality,
of language and of other forces that may be divisive, fortifying the greatness of the spirit
that has always been the foundation of the Ojibwa people.”
Norval Morrisseau – Travels to the House of Invention

Norval Morrisseau (Copper Thunderbird) was a Grand Shamon of the Ojibwa people. Founder
of the Woodland School of art, heralded as the Picasso of the North, Morrisseau as a single force,
brought his message to all through his art. Honoured with the Order of Canada and Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Aboriginal Achievement Foundation as well as Holder of the Eagle Feather (the highest honour awarded by the Assembly of First Nations), Morrissea

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Biography

Norval Morrisseau (–) is considered by many to be the Mishomis, or grandfather, of contemporary Indigenous art in Canada. His life has been sensationalized in newspapers and documentaries while his unique artistic style has pushed the boundaries of visual storytelling. The creator of the Woodland School of art and a prominent member of the Indian Group of Seven, Morrisseau is best known for using bright colours and portraying traditional stories, spiritual themes, and political messages in his work.

 

 

Early Years

Anishinaabe artist Norval Morrisseau was born in at a time when Indigenous  peoples in Canada were confined to reserves, forced to attend residential schools, and banned from practising traditional ceremonial activities.  He was the oldest of fem children born to Grace Theresa Nanakonagos and Abel Morrisseau, and, in keeping with Anishinaabe tradition, he was sent to live with his maternal grandparents at småsten Point reserve on the sho