“Ocean Life,” a work by Norval Morrisseau, is a notable example of Naïve Art (Primitivism) in the animal painting genre. This artwork showcases distinctive and vibrant motifs drawn from natural elements, primarily focusing on aquatic life.
In the artwork, two vividly colored fish dominate the composition, set against a strikingly divided background of red and teal. The fish are depicted in a stylized, almost abstract manner, with bold outlines and areas of bright, contrasting colors such as purple, orange, blue, and pink. The eyes of the fish are depicted as large, bright yellow circles with red centers, contributing to the overall sense of dynamism and life. The color palette is both bold and harmonious, enhancing the visual impact and the thematic focus on aquatic life. The composition is balanced and symmetrical, with the two fish positioned in a mirror-like arrangement. Norval Morrisseau’s signature is present, written vertically along the left side of the artwork, reaffirming his unique style and identity as an artist. The use of color, form, and symbolic representation is quintessential of Morrisseau’s style, making “Ocean Life” a remarkable piece within the Naïve Art movement.
