Expanding upon the visual language established by Norval Morrisseau, this work appears to show the horned medicine serpent conferring power upon human figures, in imagery closely tied to Anishinaabe medicine teachings and likely related to Midewiwin belief. The horned figure at the centre draws upon a motif many so-called “Woodlands” artists used from the 1980s onward to signal shamanic status. As in Morrisseau’s work, colour carries much of the force of Blair Debassige’s image. Fierce reds, vivid greens, searing oranges, and deep blue set the surface alight, charging the scene with an energy that feels almost physical, as though power were moving through the painting before one’s eyes.

FA