Saturday, May 17, 2008

Norval Morrisseau Comparison Report (Part I)

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Revisited
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"Sacred Moose with Spirit Man", 2-2 acrylic on canvas, 47"x57", © 1966 Norval Morrisseau /from "eBay" purchase; Private Collection/
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Shortly after posting of the "Norval Morrisseau Comparison Report (Part I)" the owner of the painting above, who would like to remain anonymous, contacted me by providing additional information:
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Title: Sacred Moose with Spirit Man,
Subject: Moose, birds, human figure internal to Moose,
Media: Acrylic,
Support: Cotton canvas,
Dimensions: 47" by 57",
Markings: Signed in syllabics on front, and in Roman with title on rear,
Date of execution: Dated 1966,
Note: pictures showing the progression of this particular image from "The Art of Norval Morrisseau" /Sinclair, Lister, Jack Pollock, and Norval Morrisseau/ -Toronto, Ontario: Methuen, 1979./Pollock/Sinclair, page 36 and Kinsman Robinson's "Norval Morrisseau Travels to the House of Invention" Key Porter Books Limited, ISBN: 1-55013-880-4/, page 95, of which this appears to be the second of two pieces. I acquired this piece from a private collector. The painting has been appraised by Joseph (Joe) McLeod from "Maslak McLeod Gallery", Toronto (Appraisal document not included in this presentation).
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As seen from the above submitted information the painting titled "Sacred Moose with Spirit Man" was also compared with painting below as in the "Norval Morrisseau Comparison Report (Part I)". Is it really possible that these two paintings are a pair? I am confident that the second word in title of the "Sacred Caribou with Spirit Man" was purposely changed from "Moose" to "Caribou" just to eliminate anyone trying to challenge original owner on this issue. Also, caribou have different style antlers and there are all indications that both of these paintings represent a moose. The only way to find out if I am wrong with my assumptions would be if the owner of the painting supposedly titled "Sacred Caribou with Spirit Man" sends me a digital image of the back of the canvas to be presented herein.
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"Sacred Caribou with Spirit Man", acrylic on canvas, 37"x51", © c. 1966 Norval Morrisseau /from the book: "Norval Morrisseau Travels to the House of Invention" - page 94; Key Porter Books Limited, ISBN: 1-55013-880-4/
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Both of the paintings above are in direct relationship with an image in the painting "Jo-Go Way Moose dream", presented below and in posting: "Dreams and Legends of the Ojibway (Part I)". This proves, more than once in the presentations on this blog, that Norval Morrisseau repeated many times his images. Quite contrary, Mr. Bryant Ross of the "Coghlan Art Studio & Gallery" stated that Norval Morrisseau never copied (repeated) his images. More of these examples will be presented on NORVAL MORRISSEAU BLOG soon.
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It is intersting to mention that painting "Sacred Moose with Spirit Man" is claimed to be a counterfeit by the "Kinsman Robinson Galleries", Toronto - Principal Morrisseau dealer, representing Norval Morrisseau (1932-2007) and his artwork over the last nineteen years.
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"Jo-Go Way Moose Dream", n.d., tempera on brown paper, Purchased 1964; File No.: 64.37.6 /Glenbow Museum Collection/
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All of these paintings presented above are based on a dream of an Ojibway named Luke Onanakongos (Jo-Go Way) as quoted in Norval Morrisseau's statement in posting "Dreams and Legends of the Ojibway (Part I)":
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"In dreams of my youth, my spirit dwelled inside a huge moose, and I was protected from hardships of this earth. In middle life, the moose discharged my spirit from his body and it became one with my earthly self. The moose told me to purify myself spiritually and I did this for a time. Finally, in my old age, I rebelled and left forever the dream that pulled me toward that era."
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The painting in question "Sacred Moose with Spirit Man" was appraised by Joseph McLeod from "Maslak McLeod Gallery" - an individual who, in my opinion, has the greatest credentials when it comes to evaluating the art of Norval Morrisseau.
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He has been instrumental in bringing Canadian Native Art to Germany, Italy, Brazil, Japan, China, France and Puerto Rico. Also exhibiting international artist such as Mafu Jiang from Nanjing, China. The Gallery has been instumental in bringing Canadian Indigenous art to Germany, Italy, Brazil and the United States in exhibitions - Volkunder Museum Munich, Germany; Exposicao de art Indigena Belo Horizonte, Brazil; The Institute of American Indian Art in The Governors Gallery in Santa Fe, New Mexico among others.
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Affiliations Curatorial and Appraisal Work of Joseph McLeod:
Art Dealers Association of Canada,
Canada Council for Aboriginal Buisness,
CanadaThe Government of Canada, Ottawa, Ont. Canada
Museum of Thunder Bay, Thunder Bay, Ont. Canada.
Museum of Hamilton, Hamilton, Ont. Canada.
Smithsonian National Museum of American Art, U.S.A.
Master Dealer - Sotheby's.com
Institute of American Indian Art, Santa Fe, New Mexico, U.S.A.
Govenor's Gallery, Santa Fe, New Mexico, U.S.A.
The Pequot Museum, Conneticut, U.S.A.
The Heard Museum, Pheonix, Arizona, U.S.A.
Volkunder Museum, Munich, Germany
Exposicao de Arte Indigena, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
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Also, it is worth mentioning, that painting in posting "Understanding Art of Norval Morrisseau (Part II)" was also presented in Mr. Joseph McLeod's "Maslak McLeod Gallery" and later sold to a private collector.
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Important information: The painting titled "Sacred Moose with Spirit Man" has been registered with the Norval Morrisseau Heritage Society (NMHS).
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Note of a Blog Master: I would like you to know that I am in no way associated with Joseph McLeod and his "Maslak McLeod Gallery". As I stated from the beginning the NORVAL MORRISSEAU BLOG is posted in honour of the Mind, Body and Spirit of Copper Thunderbird better known as Norval Morrisseau - Grand Shaman of the Ojibway and it is dedicated entirely to the preservation of the legacy of his people as well as to the preservation of his artistic legacy."

23 comments:

Anonymous said...

Can we see a photo of the back of the original from the collector as you are supposedly in communication with the doctor?

As for Joseph McLeod, amongst the things he is "responsible for" are things like:

-He's selling very large pieces of art which Norval Morrisseau was never paid for. These pieces of art went up for sale almost the day after Norval.

-He's selling pieces of art in a style Norval claimed were not genuine.

And despite your assertions, some of us know EXACTLY who is involved with this blog. Who are you kidding?

Sorry. It's still not genuine. You still only have theories and I highly doubt our good doctor friend who owns that original has been in contact with you. Of course, I'm being a cynic.

Still no provenance (as usual) and only theories and suppositions (those unsupported by facts also.

If I have to choose between KRG's expertise, Bryant Ross' expertise and the expertise of Maslak McLoead - I'll go with KRG and Bryant Ross. Or for that matter - Norval himself.

You're selling but I'm not buying.

Victor

Hugh said...

Spirit Walker,

I no longer participate regularly in discussions on this blog because you are either very stupid or a paid associate of those pushing the questionable paintings.

"Sacred Moose with Spirit Man" would definitely have black paint on the back, that’s what all questionable paintings have! You've told us that.

I will participate in blogs that actually look for facts, who talk to people who knew the artist and not a bunch of nut bars on a Skype line. What do you guys do, get together and try to convince yourselves that what you have are real Morrisseaus?

good-bye,
Hugh

Anonymous said...

Correction:

He's selling very large pieces of art which Norval Morrisseau was never paid for. These pieces of art went up for sale almost the day after Norval DIED.

Victor

Anonymous said...

Hello all
SW, I think you must admit, if you cut and paste all 3 images and view them side by side, the answer is clear.
if as you state you are intrested in preserving the Morrisseau legacy you must do the following.
you can't allow this much controversy, if so many question the works you must have some proof?
show it.
the works just don't seem to stand up to scrutiny.
show and tell or pack it in.
this is not preserving the Morrisseau legacy.

sorry but this is the fact.
Tony D in Toronto

Anonymous said...

Hugh don't let your fake painting door hit you in your behind. Who needs the "3" KRG "experts" that are typing away in the office .Go sell some paintings instead of clogging the internet with your useless posts..Are you down in sales this month?
SW your doing a FINE job, they seem quite furious!
AKA...lol

Serpent'sDesire said...

Affiliations Curatorial and Appraisal Work of Joseph McLeod:
Art Dealers Association of Canada,
Canada Council for Aboriginal Buisness,
CanadaThe Government of Canada, Ottawa, Ont. Canada
Museum of Thunder Bay, Thunder Bay, Ont. Canada.
Museum of Hamilton, Hamilton, Ont. Canada.
Smithsonian National Museum of American Art, U.S.A.
Master Dealer - Sotheby's.com
Institute of American Indian Art, Santa Fe, New Mexico, U.S.A.
Govenor's Gallery, Santa Fe, New Mexico, U.S.A.
The Pequot Museum, Conneticut, U.S.A.
The Heard Museum, Pheonix, Arizona, U.S.A.
Volkunder Museum, Munich, Germany
Exposicao de Arte Indigena, Belo Horizonte, Brazil

"Pretty Impressive Credentials" for Joseph Mcleod.
He is also a member of ADAC and the CPA.
I will stick with this man..."ALL ABOARD!!!"
What's your credentials bryant ross?...lol
You work for KRG Victor...
Tony D if all three pieces were identicle in shape colour and size then we would have concern for forgery here...that's what counterfitters do...they try and replicate a genuine piece.Here we have variation of the same theme being painted.
Note: All three animals are Moose not Caribou.
Moose have a distinctive Dew Lap located underneath their throat area as are clearly painted in all three of these examples.The Caribou and Elk do not have this feature to their physical make up.
The NMHS has never accepted 28 paintings from KRG for research purposes.

Anonymous said...

SW
please answer my one question.
what makes you believe the questionable works you have shown are authentic?

Thanks
Tony D

Anonymous said...

Bryant Ross please state your credentials on this blog. Other than owning a tweeny art store in Abbotsford and a little Ebay site flipping prints..what is your schooling and art association credentials? What kind of Authenticity papers do you give out when you flip your paintings? What makes yours so authentic? Do you just type out a receipt?
AKA...LOL

Anonymous said...

Sacred Caribou was sold by Kinsman Robinson Galleries about two or three years ago. I am sure they have a record of who purchased it and where it currently is. They most likely have documented photographs of the painting as well. Perhaps the answer will show up on their blog soon?

I look forward to seeing what the NMHS has to say about Sacred Moose.

Anonymous said...

I gave you advise sometime ago not to show more of you "Morrisseau" painings.
I can still help?
your approach is all wrong.
I will be here when you are ready.

Anonymous said...

I state again - Discrediting me does not lend credibility to your questionable paintings..

Mr,anonymous AKA does not add anything to this discussion, but at the risk of humouring small minds here are the answers to your questions.

The tweeny art store, Coghlan Art Studio and Gallery, is a complex of gallery, studio and living space situated in a 18,000 square foot 100 year old train station in Alder grove (not Abbotsford) British Columbia.

Coghlanart.com went on-line in the spring of 1997 making it one of the oldest Canadian on-line galleries.

I have 35 years experience in the creative art field with the last 22 years in fine native art.

As for art association credentials, both Kinsman Robinson Gallery and Maslak Mcleod Gallery are members of ADAC. But they do not agree with each other. These associations do not mean much to me.

I could write a list as long as any ones about my endeavours with museums and government associations but my important credentials are my close association with Morrisseau for more than 20 years. This is longer than any other art dealer. Meeting Morrisseau a couple of times 40 years ago does not constitute 40 years of experience. During that 20 years I was able to live with and travel with Morrisseau. Morrisseau was a generous man and given the right circumstances he was more than willing to share his knowledge. I learned a lot from him.

When I sell a painting I do give a receipt , but I also give a letter of provenance that states the total history of the painting back to the artist. It includes a picture of the painting, who has owned it (their real names, not just private collection) and the dates of sale and execution by the artist. I also include any available anecdotal information about the painting.
I did not always do this as earlier I did not realize how important it would be to know the history of a painting.

What makes the paintings so authentic? The fact that they were painted by Norval Morrisseau.

Anonymous said...

As for art association credentials, both Kinsman Robinson Gallery and Maslak Mcleod Gallery are members of ADAC. But they do not agree with each other. These associations do not mean much to me.

"These associations do not mean anything to me" ..or is it that you cannot obtain such credentials? What kind of appalling statement is this? Your stating that these associations are below your 22 years of native art and it trumps them? WOW you should never post here again with that statement. I WOULD NEVER BUY A PAINTING from an individual who knocks a fellow gallery!

Tom

Anonymous said...

Tom

Help me see how Bryant was knocking Baslak Mcleod or KRG? He simple states they are both members and do not agree. I think you are twisting words.

To all you who want to purchase these paintings and risk spending your money or investing in questionable goods - CONTINUE ON. This is to my benefit as I can continue to purchase original pieces while you waste your money. Thank you.

jon

Anonymous said...

I think Mike "Moneyticks" is off the meds again, I think this is identity number 8 or so for Mr Bluenova.

"fraud hunter" is closing in.

Anonymous said...

These associations do not mean much to me. Jon, thats like saying I don't recognize a professional hockey player status. THATS an insult, plain and simple. What words do you see twisted here? I see an insult to two recognized GALLERIES. Why would anyone purchase a painting from an unrecognized insulting gallery?? What does everyone else see?

Tom

Anonymous said...

Tom

Get it right. He is not insulting Maslak or KRG. He is questioning how being a member of ADAC makes a difference. You have Maslak and KRG, who are both members of the ADAC, but have very different view points on these questionable paintings. Why does he need to be member if their members are not on the same page.

Anyways...I do not know Bryant Ross - have never met him or talked to him in my life so I will leave this battle for him to take up and the two of you can insult each other as much as you like.

jon

Anonymous said...

jon get it right...why would anyone who is a member of NOTHING, state that an accredited association is "nothing"? What do you not understand? This Gallery is associated with ZERO. No membership, affiliation or certificates. Should the public be listening to a Gallery that has ZERO credibility in the art world? Do you get that?

Tom

Anonymous said...

Just to let you know I also have never met Bryant or visited his store. I am sure he is a decent person, my question or concern is the fact that he does not recognize an accredited affiliating. He then states on this blog what is real and what is not. Bryant should begin his statements to a simple: "In my opinion".

Tom

Anonymous said...

Tom,

Where are you coming from? Your post above is arguing with me on something that I have not stated. I have not brought up the topic of him being a part of nothing. Not sure why you are arguing with me on this.

Good luck to you...

SpiritWalker - nice blog but with nonsense like this I can not be bothered. I also was very impressed that you included links to two other blogs related to Norval Morrisseau.

jon

Spirit Walker said...

To Jon and others:

Keep placing your comments and do not be bothered with disagreements and controversies. Norval's life was full of controversies... and they keep coming and going. Norval wouldn't like it any other way...

I am sure he is smiling now from the Spirit World knowing that for centuries to come Canadians and humans (not only humans) alike will be talking about him.

Jon don't go... Be part of the history... let us put things in order and clear the disagreements - all in honour of the Great Copper Thunderbird better known as Norval Morrisseau.

Megwetch, SW

Anonymous said...

Quite funny, anytime there is a discrepancy or a disagreement with the "camp", the "camp" cry: "we are not posting here anymore". Now thats FUNNY..did your feelings get hurt when a poster posts the "TRUTH"? run along little children...

AKA...LOL

Anonymous said...

AKA...LOL - what is with you? What are you talking about this camp versus that camp. As well, I have not seen the truth. You for one have very little to share - maybe that will change one day.

Spirit Walker - I appreciate your comment and found it very interesting. I am open for a debate and finding the truth. I have viewed comments from both sides of this discusion and have learned a lot about the life and art of Norval Morrisseau.

jon

Anonymous said...

Finally,
Hugh is gone. As for Victor, you work for KRG so you have no opinion. Victor, what's it matter if Masak is selling paintings the day after Norval died. KR and all the others, Gabe, Bryant, and the rest did the exact same thing. They jacked the prices through the roof on paintings. You are all sore because your sales are all down. Oh well, all is fair in the art world. Just because a Morrisseau gets sold on the market for a few thousand doesn't make it fake or questionable. It means someone sold it for what they wanted for it. KRG has a store house holding 100's of paintings by Norval. Why did they hoard so many of these. Why were they not sold for a reasonable price to help the Morrisseau family out? They as well as others(Gabe Vadas and Bryant and Don) hoarded 100's of originals that no one has ever seen in the hopes that one day Norval would die and make them all very wealthy. Which is what's happening. I think they are shooting themselves in the backs with all this talk about fakes.
Mark K