NORVAL MORRISSEAU, C.M. (1931-2007) ANISHINAABE (OJIBWE), Untitled (Animal Spirit) (Michipichou [Mishipashoo]), c. early-mid 1960s

NORVAL MORRISSEAU, C.M. (1931-2007) ANISHINAABE (OJIBWE)

Untitled (Animal Spirit) (Michipichou [Mishipashoo]), c. early-mid 1960s

acrylic or gouache on card board, 23.25 x 29 in (59.1 x 73.7 cm)
signed, "ᐅᓴᐊ·ᐱᑯᐱᓀᓯ".

This work is accompanied by the Authenticity Examination Report, issued by Morrisseau Art Consulting Inc.

LOT 20
ESTIMATE: $3,500 — $5,000

Norval Morrisseau drew deeply from Anishinaabe oral traditions and his own visionary experiences. The present work depicts Mishipashoo (also Mishibizhiw, Mishipeshu), also known as the Underwater Panther, one of the most powerful beings in Anishinaabe cosmology. Revered and feared, this spirit is master of the lakes and rivers, guardian of copper, and a force associated with storms, rapids, and transformation.

In this work, Morrisseau renders the spirit with monumental presence: a powerful feline body bristling with black spines, curling horns, and a squared jaw. The x-ray interior, marked by a rhythmic sequence of repeating forms, alludes to spiritual currents within the being. Set against the warm toned surface of kraft paper, the figure stands upon a stylized ground line.

References: For similar works, See Greg Hill et al., Norval Morrisseau: Shaman Artist, (Ottawa: National Gallery of Canada, 2006), cat. 8; and Lister Sinclair and Jack Pollock, The Art of Norval Morrisseau, (Toronto: Methuen Publications, 1979), p. 71.

Provenance

Ex. Coll. Walter Gilbert Dinsdale, PC DFC, Canada;
Sold by the widow of above by Wells Gallery, Ottawa, accompanied a copy of the invoice, dated 21 Jan 1983, as "Untitled - (Animal Spirit);
Acquired from the above by the present Private Collection, Ottawa.

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NORVAL MORRISSEAU, C.M. (1931-2007) ANISHINAABE (OJIBWE)

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