Norval H. Morrisseau (Ojibway, 1932-2007). Untitled (The Sacred Fish) acrylic on canvas, ca. 1985. Signed in Cree syllabics Copper Thunderbird on lower right and signed in graphite on verso. A striking painting by Ojibway artist Norval Morisseau presenting a magnificent sacred fish in profile with two water bubbles above delineated in Morisseau's signature expressive style and bold color palette. Morisseau was living on the north shores of Lake Superior in Canada when he began painting in 1959 following a vision that instructed him to do so. His artworks blend Ojibway heritage with the teachings of Catholicism which he was exposed to as a youth. A beautiful painting set in a custom frame by Norval Morisseau who has been dubbed the Picasso of First Nations Artists! Size of painting: 25.75" L x 36.5" W (65.4 cm x 92.7 cm) Size of frame: 27.625" L x 38.4" W (70.2 cm x 97.5 cm)

According to the Norval Morisseau Estate website, "Norval Morrisseau, CM RCA (March 14, 1932 - December 4, 2007), referred to as 'Copper Thunderbird' is considered the grandfather of contemporary Indigenous art in Canada. He is heralded as 'the key figure at the center of an indigenous art movement in Canada' by the National Chief of Assembly of First Nations and is the only Native Artist to have a solo exhibition by the National Gallery of Canada.

Morrisseau shattered societal, sexual, and commonly held stereotypes and prejudices in the 1960s. In the face of intense discrimination, he created a style that was all his own, an artistic vocabulary that inspired a new art movement. In addition, Morrisseau founded the Woodlands School of Art and was a prominent member of the 'Indian Group of Seven'. In 1978, he was named a Member of the Order of Canada, a member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts, and was honored with a posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award during the NAAF Awards show in 2008."

This painting was authenticated and appraised for 30,000 Canadian dollars by D. Paul Bremner - the preeminent expert on the art of Norval Morrisseau and Christian Morrisseau - on January 20, 2020. A copy of Bremner's COA and appraisal accompanies the piece.

Provenance: private Ontario, Canada collection; private corporation, Ontario, Canada

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#170090

Painting is excellent save a couple of nearly invisible, minute scuffs that may have occurred during the painting process. It is signed in Cree syllabics copper thunderbird on lower right and signed in graphite on verso. The frame has a few minor scuffs/nicks but is otherwise very good, wired for suspension, and ready to display.