OFFICE OF THE LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR OF ONTARIO
MEDIA ADVISORY
For immediate release
5 December 2007
A MESSAGE FROM THE HONOURABLE DAVID C. ONLEY
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR OF ONTARIO
ON THE DEATH OF NORVAL MORRISSEAU
I was saddened to learn of the death on December 4th of First Nations artist, shaman, and storyteller, Norval Morrisseau.
His paintings exploded onto the Canadian art scene in the early 1960s, blazing a trail for other indigenous artists and sculptors. Although he was self-taught, his blending of Ojibwa and European influences that became known as the Woodland School of native art, placed him among the first rank of artists. He later repudiated Woodland as a media construct, and formed his own Thunderbird School of Shamanistic Arts, developing the exuberant, neon-like brilliance of colour that was to become his hallmark.
Throughout his life, Mr. Morrisseau fought and conquered many demons, and became a role model for young aboriginal people. His courageous struggle against Parkinson’s Disease in latter years was an inspiring testimony to the ability of the human spirit.
I join all Ontarians in mourning the passing of a Canadian icon.
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Contact:
Nanda Casucci-Byrne
Office of the Lieutenant Governor
416-325-7780