Morrisseau Art featured in Dragon Exhibit

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"Mishipizhiw" (Water Demi-God), © c. 1968 Norval Morrisseau
/Click on image to Enlarge/
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'Dragons, Between Science and Fiction', this is the title of a brand new exhibit, produced by the Museum National D'Histoire Naturelle de France and was on display at the Musee de la Civilisation in Quebec City from July to September 2008, November 2008 to February 2009, and March to June 2009.
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This fabulous exhibit payed tribute to this mythical and magical animal, connecting imagination and reality. The exhibit featured approximately 180 artistic pieces and was divided into three categories: "Dragons through Time: Dragons around the World", "The Charade of the Dragon", and "The Missions of the Dragon". The exhibit included decor, furnishings, text & graphic design, autiovisual, interactive games, film clips, soundscapes based on European and North American legends and stories, and much more!
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"Objects were selected from various North American collections and represent a diverse cross-section from the world of natural sciences and the world of art: on the one hand are naturalized specimens, bones, and old works; on the other, paintings, sculptures, ritual and everyday objects, decorative artwork, dishes, and Chinese furniture, along with contemporary depictions of dragons from the world of fantasy."
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Interestingly, a local piece of art has been loaned to the Musee de la Civilisation for this fascinating exhibit. Debra Shushack has loaned a Norval Morisseau painting entitled "Mishipizhiw” or "Serpent" (water spirit), which is a significant feature in the exhibit, Dragons: between Science and Fiction.
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Fred and Evelyn Shushack arrived in the Red Lake area in 1966 when Fred was hired by the Red Lake School Board. They lived in Cochenour and Evelyn remembers Morrisseau coming to her door six or more times to use the phone for a cab or to talk to Fred who found him interesting and admired his art. Fred Shushack and Morrisseau may have met at the School Board office when Norval dropped in with art to sell.
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This is the “serpent” or “Mishipizhiw” (water spirit) painting which Fred bought from Sharon Barnes in 1968 or 1969. This large piece, in muted browns and greens, shows a fierce creature turning to grab its own tail with sharp teeth. The “Mishipizhiw” can be translated as “the Great Lynx” although often is compared to a serpent. It represents a demi-god of the water, feared and revered. This painting hung in the School Board Office until Fred left that job in 1981.
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To view information on this exhibit, visit www.mcq.org/dragons/en/.
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For more info about Norval Morrisseau, visit The Red Lake Museum.
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Source: 'What's Happening in the Red Lake Touring Region!' Blog
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~ The Red Lake Touring Region encompasses both the communities of the Township of Ear Falls and the Municiaplity of Red Lake. There are over 60 tourist operations within this region offering a variety of services and fishing and hunting experiences. The region is also home to numerous festivals and events year round.
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* The acrylic painting on paper in this post: "Mishipizhiw" (Water Demi-God), 42"x40", © c. 1968 Norval Morrisseau /Evelyn Shushack Collection/