Untitled (Birds in Cherry Tree) 1993

Editor: This vibrant acrylic painting from 1993, titled "Untitled (Birds in Cherry Tree)" is by Norval Morrisseau. It’s a symphony of jewel tones, a cheerful blend of figuration and nature! What strikes me most is its bold use of color. How do you interpret this work through the lens of symbolism? Curator: The symbolic weight here resides in the meeting of birds, trees, and vivid colors. Notice how the black outlines contain the life bursting within – a containment and channeling of spiritual energy perhaps. The cherry tree itself, laden with fruit, becomes a symbol of abundance and provision. Editor: The way the birds are rendered—almost like stylized totems—makes me think of how they bridge the earthly and spiritual realms. Is that a common element in Morrisseau’s work? Curator: Indeed. For Morrisseau, birds frequently serve as messengers, linking the everyday with the realm of the spirit. They are intermediaries, and here, perched amongst the cherries, they possess knowledge of the tree's bounty and the mysteries it holds. Consider how the colors play a role; is there a story in their selection? Editor: The abundance of red in the cherries stands out. Red is often associated with life force, or energy... almost a heartbeat resonating through the canvas. Curator: Precisely. It’s this vitality that the artist seeks to capture. Each choice – color, form, placement – builds toward a powerful, cohesive message rooted in Anishinaabe tradition. Editor: It’s incredible how Morrisseau weaves together cultural narrative and personal expression. I see the cherry tree not just as a tree, but as a keeper of stories and wisdom. Curator: And the birds become not just birds, but witnesses and communicators of those stories, inviting us to listen closely. I hadn't considered them in that way before! Thank you for sharing that perspective. Editor: Thanks! Looking at it now, I realize how it is about continuity of knowledge through symbols.