“The Great Earth Mother” by Norval Morrisseau, created in 1976, is a symbolic painting that belongs to the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement.
The artwork vividly depicts a figure, richly adorned with vibrant colors and organic shapes that intertwine and surround the central subject. Norval Morrisseau employs a palette of bold hues—prominent reds, greens, blues, and yellows—that create a striking contrast against the black outlines that define the forms. The design is intricate and detailed, with an emphasis on symmetry and a sense of spiritual symbolism reflective of Morrisseau’s cultural heritage. The figure appears to be enveloped in a harmonious blend of natural elements, conveying an essence of unity and reverence towards nature, which is characteristic of Morrisseau’s thematic focus in his work.
