After spending four decades in storage, a large painting by Ojibway artist Norval Morrisseau has been revealed at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery in northwestern Ontario. The artwork, known as the Morrisseau Masterwork, measures approximately 6.7 meters in length and slightly over three meters in height and had not been publicly displayed since 1986.
On loan from EA Studios Calgary, the painting is being prepared for exhibition in collaboration with the gallery by mounting the rolled, untreated canvas on a stretcher for preservation. The expansive Woodland Style mural portrays a scene featuring a diverse gathering of adults, children, animals, birds, and spiritual entities amidst natural surroundings.
Expressing his excitement, Joseph Helmy, director of EA Studios Calgary, described the unveiling as a deeply spiritual and powerful experience. He anticipates that the artwork will serve as a unifying force, bridging Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities as intended by the artist, Norval Morrisseau.
The relationship between Helmy’s family and Morrisseau dates back to 1985 when his father, Galal, was encouraged by art dealer Robert Checkwitch to support Morrisseau’s work. This led to Morrisseau residing and creating art in a studio above EA Studios Calgary until 1987.
The collaborative effort between EA Studios Calgary and the Thunder Bay Art Gallery to bring the painting back to public view holds significance as it marks a return to Morrisseau’s birthplace. The gallery’s executive director, Matthew Hills, highlighted the painting’s monumental size as indicative of Morrisseau’s evolving artistic exploration during his early career.
The Morrisseau Masterwork will be on display at the Thunder Bay Art Gallery until January 3, inviting the public to witness the legacy of Norval Morrisseau and the rich history behind the artwork.