“Spirit Helper,” created by Norval Morrisseau in 1998, is a quintessential piece of Naïve Art (Primitivism) and exemplifies the genre of symbolic painting. The artwork portrays a vivid manifestation of spiritual symbolism through the depiction of stylized birds and animals rendered in rich, bold colors and simple forms.
The artwork prominently features various animals, each vividly colored with striking blues, greens, purples, and reds, set against a warm, peach-colored background. The central figure appears to be a bird with extended wings, capturing motion and life, surrounded by other creatures, perhaps symbolizing interconnectedness and spiritual guidance. The figures are outlined in black, enhancing their definition and adding a dynamic quality to the composition. The eyes of the animals, rendered in bright yellow and red, serve as focal points, drawing the viewer’s attention and imbuing the piece with a sense of mysticism. The interplay of shapes and colors in the artwork conveys a harmonious yet powerful visual experience, characteristic of Morrisseau’s unique and symbolic artistic style.
