LOoooNLOOONLOONN:
Owls, Loons, and Thunderbirds in the work of Norval Morrisseau
June 21 >> Sept 15, 2024
A selection of works from the Permanent Collection looking at birds as motif in the work of Norval Morrisseau. This exhibition was inspired by The Thunderbird Poems (2015) of poet and writer Armand Garnet Ruffo. This book is a formidable collection of poetry written in response to paintings by Ojibway artist Norval Morrisseau (1932- 2007) from Bingwi Neyaashi Anishinaabek First Nation. In the gallery, a selection of poems is in new conversation with paintings, prints, and drawings by Morrisseau from our Permanent Collection, one of the largest collections of works by the artist in the world. With a focus on loons, owls, and Thunderbirds, this exhibition examines bird imagery as a central motif in Morrisseau’s work. Also presented is a singular carving by the artist, a wooden goose decoy, on view for the first time.
This exhibition is a part of Under the Sun: Summer Party
Travelling with the Shaman-Artist: The Art of Norval Morrisseau: A public talk by Armand Garnet Ruffo, author of The Thunderbird Poems (2015) and Norval Morrisseau: Man Changing Into Thunderbird.
Date: Friday, September 13, 2024
Time: 7:00 – 9:00 pm
The gallery is delighted to present a public talk by celebrated writer and poet Armand Garnet Ruffo. Join us as Ruffo shares his experience meeting artist Norval Morrisseau, and how this meeting inspires his singular literary voice that blends visual art, biography, fact and fiction. Ruffo guides us through Morrisseau’s work with readings.
Image 1: Norval Morrisseau, Untitled, acrylic on paper, 1980 c
Image 2: Norval Morrisseau, Untitled [six loons], acrylic on paper, 1980 c
Image 3: Norval Morrisseau, Untitled [Three Birds], acrylic on paper, nd
Image 4: Norval Morrisseau, Untitled, acrylic on paper, 1980 c