Shaman Protection 1980

Norval Morrisseau made "Shaman Protection" with bright swathes of acrylic paint, which gives the piece a flat, graphic look. The painting shows us artmaking as a ritualistic practice. Look at the surface, the way the vibrant colours create these wild, energetic forms. Notice how the artist outlines each shape in black, it’s a pretty bold choice that makes the colours pop, but also flattens the image, like a stained-glass window. The paint doesn't seem too thick, it's evenly spread out. And if you look closely, the brushstrokes are almost invisible. The red profile of the shaman really captures my attention, its placement makes a strong connection with the surrounding shapes and colours. In some ways, Morrisseau reminds me of Marsden Hartley with a love for simple forms. Art is an ongoing conversation, an exchange of ideas across time. It's a space that embraces ambiguity and multiple interpretations.