The artwork titled “All Life,” created by the artist Norval Morrisseau in 1994, is a notable piece contributing to the Naïve Art movement, particularly Primitivism, and can be categorized within the genre of animal painting. This piece is evocative of the artist’s style, which is defined by bold colors, a lack of perspective, and a representational approach that depicts the interconnectedness of all living things, a frequent theme in Morrisseau’s work.
The artwork itself is characterized by a vivid color palette and a flat, two-dimensional representation, which is typical of Naïve Art. The dominant figure in the composition appears to be an abstract entity with a creature-like form encompassing elements that suggest eyes and organic patterns. The colors are bright and sharply contrasted, with reds, oranges, and yellows against a field of purple and green, creating a vibrant visual impact. Surrounding this central form, there are what appear to be stylized representations of birds or bird-like shapes, rendered with similar bold outlines and joyful use of color. The interplay of these forms conveys a sense of harmony and the theme of interconnectedness among living beings.
The linear outlines that define each figure and the elements within them are prominent, and the delineation of spaces with these lines contributes to the sense that each part of the artwork is both separate and part of a larger whole. This technique, along with the use of bold, unmodulated colors, is a hallmark of the artist’s work and speaks to the key characteristics of the Naïve Art movement. Morrisseau’s style in this artwork reflects a personal, spiritual, and culturally anchored expression, celebrating the relationship between humans, animals, and the spiritual world in a form that resonates with the broader elements of Primitivism.
