Lot 64
NORVAL H. MORRISSEAU (1932-2007)

Additional Images

Provenance:
Acquired directly from the artist;
Estate of Stan Lozenski;
Private collection, Ontario
Accompanied with a notarized letter of supporting provenance.
Note:
A recurring theme in Morrisseau’s work, in Nude Women with Snake, interconnected circles sit wrapped around, and in close proximity to figures, in this instance a serpent intertwined with a woman.
As in many works by the artist, images are steeped in concepts and stories inspired by imagery reclaimed from Midewiwin, a secretive religion common among Anishinaabeg, about which little is divulged to those uninitiated into its rites. While definite meaning may elude us in Morrisseau’s artworks, the power and emotion with which the images are imbued resonate among collectors and those who knew the artist.
This painting was given by Morrisseau to Stan Lozenski, a guard at the Kenora, Ontario jail. Lozenski befriended Morrisseau during his time in the region and assisted him in his need to continue painting by buying art supplies for him directly. As a gesture of gratitude, the artist gave several paintings to Lozenski. The works were hung on the walls of the Lozenskis’ cabin outside Kenora until Stan’s death in 1988, after which his wife tucked the paintings into spare bedrooms and closets in their home. This is the first time that these 1970s paintings will be offered at auction.