Self-Portrait 2005

Here is Norval Morrisseau's self-portrait in a blaze of flat colour and thick outlines. It’s like he's drawing with paint, filling in blocks of colour with total confidence. Looking at that bright yellow ground, I can imagine Morrisseau building up the image bit by bit, from the red face in profile to the stylised birds perched on his shoulders. What was he thinking as he added that branch of berries, each one a perfect red circle? Did he see himself as part of the natural world, connected to the birds and plants around him? It reminds me of other artists who use bold, flat colours and strong outlines, like Matisse or even some folk artists. There’s a directness and honesty to the way Morrisseau paints, like he's not trying to impress anyone, just sharing his vision. It makes you wonder about how we see ourselves and how we fit into the world.