If you are in Toronto, and even remotely interested in Canadian art, you need to visit the Kinsman Robinson Gallery. Their current show is a must see.
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ABOVE: Norval Morrisseau, Shaman Preaching To All Things (4-panel), 1992, acrylic on canvas, 72 x 96 inches, Kinsman Robinson Galleries, Toronto
BELOW LEFT: Norval Morrisseau, Two Shamans Blessing The Creation Of Life Forms To Benefit The First Nations Peoples, 1994, acrylic on canvas, 54 x 48 inches, Kinsman Robinson Galleries, Toronto
BELOW RIGHT: Norval Morrisseau, Astral Thunderbird, 1978, acrylic on canvas, 70 x 39.6 inches, Kinsman Robinson Galleries, Toronto
First, a bio:
Norval Morrisseau, (March 14, 1932 – December 4, 2007), also known as Copper Thunderbird, was an Aboriginal Canadian artist. Known as the “Picasso of the North”, Morrisseau created works depicting the legends of his people, the cultural and political tensions between native Canadian and European traditions, his existential struggles, and his deep spirituality and mysticism. Wikipedia
And now, a tiny review:
I am a huge Norval Morrisseau fan and I have viewed his work in the McMichael, the AGO, and the National Gallery of Canada. That said, of all the spaces I have viewed his work, the Kinsman Robinson Gallery is by far my favorite.
Why is this gallery such a great fit for Morrisseau? Because seeing one of your favorite painters in a small gallery is akin to seeing one of your favorite bands in a small venue – it’s more intimate, and less crowded.
Physical spaces aside, the art in this show is of exceptional quality. Morrisseau exhibited here when he was alive, and the gallery has been holding a retrospective of his work every other year since his death. They clearly have access to some of his most superb works.
I really can’t say enough good things about this little show; it’s easily one of the years best.
Norval Morrisseau – 2014 Retrospective runs until December 20 at the Kinsman Robinson Gallery.
David McDonough's Art Blog 