Images 

This striking painting comes to us from Norval Morrisseau, an Anishinaabe artist who was born in 1931. Morrisseau’s art is deeply rooted in his cultural heritage, reflecting Anishinaabe stories and cosmologies. In the mid-20th century, Indigenous art was often excluded from mainstream galleries, and Indigenous spiritual practices were actively suppressed. Morrisseau’s work, therefore, was both a form of cultural preservation and a powerful act of resistance. His "Woodland School" style uses bold colors and thick black lines to depict figures from Anishinaabe oral traditions, including animals and spirit beings. Notice how the vibrant colors create a sense of energy and movement, while the black lines define the forms and give them a graphic quality. Morrisseau once said that through his paintings, he aimed to share the beauty and wisdom of his culture with the world. Morrisseau’s art serves as a testament to the endurance of Indigenous cultures and the power of art to transcend barriers. It celebrates identity, spirituality, and the interconnectedness of all living things.