Friday, April 24, 2009

The real Spirit Walker is standing up!

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From left to right: Ugo Matulić a.k.a. Spirit Walker with his brother Jakša after the screening of one of the "Winnetou" films; Omiš, Croatia - July 1966
~ Source: An Unofficial Website of Omiš, Croatia at www.almissa.com
/Click on image to Enlarge/


It is encouraging to see that some positive action is finally being taken to solve the 'induced' counterfeit scare that this blog has attempted to bring into proper perspective. This has been the concern of many collectors, including myself, who invested in Norval Morriseau paintings over the years. If you count the number of comments the NORVAL MORRISSEAU BLOG received and reviewed on this subject since its inception (note date), you will see this blog concentrated only on the research and educational approach to this exaggerated problem. But before a final solution can be reached about this controversy/conspiracy, that has been pushed to the forefront on some blogs, those concerned have to identify the problem before a solution can be found. This requires a team effort and not an attempt to monopolize the Norval Morrisseau market as appears to be the primary aim of some major players.

So let's start with the Wednesday, May 7, 2008 Kinsman Robinson Galleries' blog* comment under the title "Will the real Spirit Walker please stand up? (click HERE to view screen capture of the original post with all pertaining comments)." If you read the text under that heading and ignore the racist slant that is, in a sense disparaging to all Canadian immigrants, including the Governor General of Canada, one would get a feeling that to appreciate Canadian native art a person has to be either a native Canadian or Canadian born. Since Spirit Walker doesn't have to qualify by birth to run for the highest government office, or enjoy art in Canada, I found the pointed remarks in the KRG blog of May 7, 2008 disgusting and 'racist' in the true meaning of the words. I could expand at length of how surprised I was to read this 'expose' of Spirit Walker and could only assume that KRG were primarily interested seeking a Norval Morrisseau art monopoly even if it meant destroying another blog. Also one that would go to any length to eliminate any opinion that might differ from theirs about what is an authentic Norval Morrisseau art.

Yes! I was foreign born. In Croatia to be exact. But as a child I saw, and continue to see, the Indians of North America as members of an outstanding race. My favourite childhood memory was the time when 'spagetti western' movies were filmed in Croatia (then part of Yugoslavia) and as a memento from that time were countless memories and a photograph presented above. When I emigrated to Canada my aim was to become a true Canadian and contribute to the advancement of this outstanding country. I also wanted to advance the cause of the First Nations Citizens. The best way I could do this appeared through advancing the cause of native art. Researching the background of native artists and their lives has shown the adversity these artists had to overcome to become recognized. Some wonderful people emerged through this research, as did the hardships the art goddess imposed on many of these talented artists.

I could go on and on about the sniping that emanated from KRG and associated blogs. The insidious manner in the way this was done was sad because it used a combination of rumours, misinformation and lackeys to achieve this end . Typical of the latter was the Richie 'Stardreamer' Sinclair's effort. All friendship at first and then an 'expose' based on misinformation. Then the filthy language comments from another claimed 'apprentice' from the West Coast that I couldn't print. But at least it didn't have a racist slant. Now KRG is introducing a questionable confession by Christian Morrisseau indicating how his father signed false Certificates of Authenticity (click HERE to view screen capture of the original post with all pertaining comments). How a son can accuse his father of a criminal act when he isn't alive to defend himself? Is it a ploy of desperation on the part of KRG... must add, 'and associates' to ensure there is a discrediting conspiracy?

Now it seems that there is a chance of progress in the Morrisseau counterfeit and other authentication problems by the decision of the Norval Morrisseau Heritage Society. The KRG blog of March 4, 2009, indicated that Elizabeth McLuhan has taken up the task to catalogue the life's work of Norval Morrisseau (click HERE). This is daunting task for Dr. McLuhan and the rest of the NMHS. I for one wish them well. To produce such a catalogue without the assistance of commercial art studios will be difficult. More so not to be influenced by some of the major ones. But just starting this daunting task is a step forward and one that all native artists and native art enthusiasts will welcome.

Back to the lead in quote, "The real Spirit Walker is standing up", I was surprised, and gratified, when an old and long time friend of Norval Morrisseau emailed me to apologize for the May 7, 2008 'expose' on the KRG's blog. He indicated that he didn't agree with everything that I printed, and was shocked at the KRG's racist comment. He felt KRG didn't mean to be racist and were likely carried away with whatever triggered their 'expose'. He went a step further to indicate that there were a lot of people following the NORVAL MORRISSEAU BLOG and learning a lot about native art and history from it. He also praised some of the people that helped Norval Morriseau during his lifetime, indicating that Gabor and Michele Vadas hadn't received the credit due for helping to extend his artistic life at least 20 years beyond general expectations. I didn't fully agree with him on that comment but will post it anyway. So there you have my latest feeling and fear that there is something going on to exclude everyone from the Morrisseau heritage canvas except a certain Principal Morrisseau Dealer.

Meegwetch,

Spirit Walker
/spiritwalker2008@gmail.com/





* - Genuine Morrisseau from KRG blog is an official blog of the Kinsman Robinson Galleries /Principal Morrisseau dealer - Representing Norval Morrisseau (1932-2007) and his artwork over the last twenty years./


>>> Reference postings:
- Others about NORVAL MORRISSEAU BLOG (Part I),
- Norval Morrisseau's Certificate of Authenticity (Part I),
- Norval Morrisseau's Certificate of Authenticity (Part II),
- Norval Morrisseau's Certificate of Authenticity (Part III),
- Norval Morrisseau's Certificate of Authenticity (Part IV),
- Norval Morrisseau's Certificate of Authenticity (Part V),
- Norval Morrisseau's Certificate of Authenticity (Part VI),
- McLuhan shares memories of artist Norval Morrisseau &
- Will the real SpiritWalker please stand up?

~ As of May 10th, 2009 this post does not exist anymore due to its deletion by the KRG blog editors and on June 26, 2009 the blog has been deleted by the Kinsman Robinson Galleries. As of August 06, 2009 the blog has been reinstated but this time open to invited readers only!? (click HERE to view screen capture of the original post with all pertaining comments)

>>> The photograph of Ugo Matulić a.k.a. Spirit Walker with his brother Jakša was taken by the Indian totem in Radmanove Mlinice after the screening of one of the "Winnetou" films; Omiš, Croatia - July 1966.
~ Source: www.almissa.com /Ugo Matulić - Webmaster/

>>> Click HERE to view the above photograph in its original context
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11 comments:

Anonymous said...

The racist comments of Kinsman Robinson Galleries was shocking. As a native Canadian I wish to apologize for the hurt this must have caused you. I am surprised you didn't report them to the Human Rights Commission. I am also surprised why you took so long to react to this racist slander. I can't imagine the reason behind this form of attack. I have been reading their blog with many others because I have a lot of native art, including some that appears to be at the core of their anger, but missed this racist comment somehow. I just can't understand their point. Don't let them, or any other disturbed individual, from doing the excellent presentation your blog has been doing since its inception.
Tillicum

Anonymous said...

Considering where this comment came from I wouldn't worry about it. I probably would have sued his ass off for defamation of character but what would you get? Perhaps he is a skinhead or a member of the KKK? What does a Croatian have to do with liking someones work? What does he say about the Italian that stands behind GABE and his ties? Any other country that holds Morrisseau art and loves it better sell it to the "racist".

Anonymous said...

Amazing! I missed the original KRG salvo but am pleased SW drew this to my, and many others' attention. It was a real racist dig on the part of KRG that requires an apology. Not a weak excuse that I just read on the follow up of the original KRG statement, the one that questioned why Mr Ugo Matulik used the native nom du plume 'Spirit Walker'. Check closer to home KRG and you will see 'Star Dreamer', 'Raven' and no doubt many others blog masters that have adopted native names. I agree with Tillicum on many points, but am not as forgiving as he suggested. But I do hope the KRG racists remarks is drawn to the attention of our Governor General as she too is a new Canadian. Great work SW. I was also glad to read that some good Canadian apologized earlier for the KRG remarks. Many, like myself, learned a lot about the artist Morrisseau from your outstanding and very informative blog. Keep up the good work.

Anonymous said...

I just don't believe the excuses being hatched by the KR blog and their hangers on. Next time I find myself in a situation like KR I'll use my wife's birth place as an excuse. I also wonder if the Jacobson character is the same one that runs off at the mouth with obscene language when KR pushes the button. He really needs psychiatric help. At least this expose'brought a little excitement into the Canadian art world. Don't use Jacobson as a referee in the fight. He isn't qualified and that would be cheating again.

Anonymous said...

That Jacobson guy has an obvious 'identity crisis' along with disgruntled Ritchie 'StarDreamer' Sinclair. Jacobson calls himself native but they ignore the fact that they are white themselves? They are embarassed to be 'white' I should think? This kind of narrow mindedness has always been detrimental to peoples all over the world. What's next? Gas chambers? According to Jacobson's flawed reasoning one must be 'native' in order to fully appreciate and become involved with the native people's of Canada? That is 'arrogant pride' my friend. Pride is the first deadly sin. Stop living in the past Jacobson. You don't create art for the past. We create art for the present to be enjoyed in the 'now and future'.
'The creator chooses whom ever he wants to send his message to the world irregardless of race'.

432

Anonymous said...

I think SpiritWalker is doing a great job here. He has not lowered himself to KRG's low level. I see that Jacobson and others are all one in the same. NO CLASS! I noticed he calls himself "Native" but I think that is an insult to the Canandian Native Culture. I am embarressed to call Don Robinson, Gabe Vadas, and Jacobson fellow "Canadians:. What is disgrace to our great country. Shame on all of you. You have shown us all your true colours.
I think SW is a Rose trapped between a bunch of thorns, but the rose looks to be blooming and rising above to the top!

Anonymous said...

It's odd how many hanger ons sat at the feet of the great artist and who now claim to be his apprentices. There are even some who claim to Norval Morrisseau's illegitimate sons. I wonder how this artist found time to paint so many pictures. Give us a break Sinclair, Jacobson and the rest of the phonies. Go away and con the people that can't tell the difference between a 'paint by numbers' painting and a real Morrisseau. I think the only honest man on the Morrisseau art scene is Spirit Walker. I hope he doesn't get too close to the other negative blog masters that are crying foul. We don't want him contaminated.I'd take my kid out of the Sioux Lookout school if Jacobson teaches art there.
Concerned collector & parent

Anonymous said...

Dare I say that even 'Norval Morrisseau was part and party to his own conspiracy with Gabe Vadas'? By dissing his own work from earlier periods to push the sales of later works done in the 80's & 90's which these people had plenty of to sell but were met with 'stiff market competion' of pieces coming from an earlier period; mainly from the seventies being sold for decades in galleries across the country?
Folks this could be the 'horrible truth' that everyone has been avoiding to comment on...

432

Anonymous said...

432 has a point. I bought my first Morrisseau from a dealer in North Bay who had a direct link with the artist. I was later told by another collector that KRG told him that all the North Bay paintings were fakes. When I went back to the NB gallery to clarify this situation, this started a conflict between the NB and KRG galleries. It turned out that KRG had been using this tactic to take over all Morrisseau sales. Something SW should check out because the artist had strong links to NB. Since GABE and KRG were part of the KRG scam team I am not surprised at anything they did to corner that lucrative market when they had control of the artist's later output. It would be a natural move to eliminate competition from the earlier and true primitive work of the artist. But it doesn't make sense why they are pursuing this tactic now. Must be something I missed. The SW blog produces factual and positive information whereas the KRG negative and misleading information. I wish KRG and SW could get together and solve their differences. This conflict being pushed by KRG is hurting the Morrisseau scene and may even spread to the work of other native artists and do away with the forgers; and those imitators that claim to be apprentices of the great master.

Anonymous said...

I feel I have to comment on MAJ and his low class comments towards this blog and SpiritWalker. A while back I was very interested in the purchase of a very large painting done by MAJ. It was $10 000 I believe. I was so turned off though when I saw his low class comments towards this blog and towards SpiritWalker that I lost all interest in his works all together. You see MAJ and other galleries, when you slander and bad mouth other individuals it has powerful effects. Some good and bad. In this case MAJ you lost a sale. You also lost a fan. And in this day and age with a falling economy, and the art world suffering from it, I would think a sale of $10 000 would and did matter.
SpiritWalker may have sold a painting on ebay for $500, but you can look up lots of very real and authentic works on that site that are selling very low at the moment due to the economy. Not due to the fact of this REAL or UNREAL game you all are playing.
The fact of the matter is, MAJ and KRG have shown very little class in this matter and continue to slide off into a dark place. I think Norval would commend SW for his hard work and dedication to his legacy. My last comment if for MAJ. I find it sad that you say Norvals' works that are on SW's site are garbage given the fact they are real and very authentic.
Anyone that has read SW's blog and then compare it to KRG or MAJ site,you will see no comparison. This site only holds up Norval's name while the others are too concerned to badmouth and trash a true gentlemen.
Think before you speak MAJ, it comes around to bite you in the ass financially.

Anonymous said...

With so called 'affidavits' surfacing on the internet after Norval Morrisseau past away on December 4th 2007 by Gabe Vadas and Norval Morrisseau supposedly signing these affidavits one must ask 'Why didn't Gabe Vadas and Norval Morrisseau pursue 'LITIGATION' against the five people and their galleries mentioned in these affidavits? Norval Morrisseau was still alive and it would have been an 'open-shut-case' in favour of Vadas and Morrisseau.
No lawsuits were ever submitted to Jackie Bulgera, Joseph McLeod, Sunny Kim, Randy Potter, and Gary Lamont? Why not?

Using deductive reasoning one can guess at the reasons behind 'not pursueing' a lawsuit with these affidavits:
a) The affidavits are 'forgeries' to begin with could be one reason. They look sloppy and have the mark of 'cut and paste photocopy' work all over them. We use to do that in the 7th grade...lol. Photoshop would have been more believable but even that can be easily detected by an expert forensics examiner.
b) If litigation was pursued then Norval Morrisseau would have been cross-examined in court and found 'unfit' to recognize his own work due to advanced Parkinson disease and senility? Case in point 'Do you remember what you did on April 29th 1972...Unlikely?'
c) Mr.Morrisseau never personally handled nor inspected these paintings listed on these affidavits like he had done with 'SpiritWalker's six paintings back in 2002' with Mr. Bill Wallace witnessing which would have weakened the Vadas/Morrisseau case in a court of law if he had been questioned to have physically handled the said paintings in the affidavits.
d) Now with Norval Morrisseau dead and out of the picture (pardon the pun) Mr.Vadas would be able to speak for the dead master and 'HIS' sentiments concerning Norval Morrisseau's artwork. It now became 'SAFE' to launch the affidavit smear.

Not a bad plan Mr.Vadas,if these were your intentions and strategies.

432