The artwork “Animal Master” by Norval Morrisseau is a vibrant piece that belongs to the Naïve Art movement, specifically aligned with Primitivism, and is classified as a symbolic painting. Morrisseau’s work often embodies rich spiritual and cultural themes influenced by his Indigenous heritage.
The artwork portrays an array of shapes and forms that come together in a colorful display of symbolism. At the forefront, there is a prominent figure with a human-like profile, gazing towards a central point that appears to radiate energy or light, connecting various elements in the artwork. The palette used in the piece is bold, with blues, reds, yellows, and greens creating a vivid backdrop for the outlined figures and motifs. Patterns and organic lines suggest a connection between the worldly and the spiritual, a common theme in Morrisseau’s work. The eyes, integrated into several entities across the painting, might imply the theme of omniscience or the interconnectedness of life. The piece exudes a mystical atmosphere that suggests an exploration of the relationship between humans, animals, and the spiritual universe. It invites viewers to interpret its symbols according to their perspectives on the harmony and coexistence of all living things.
