Lot 204
Norval Morrisseau, CM, RCA (1932-2007), Anishinaabe (Ojibwe)

Lot 204 Details
Norval Morrisseau, CM, RCA (1932-2007), Anishinaabe (Ojibwe)
INDIAN DREAM
acrylic on watercolour paper
signed in syllabics; gallery label verso with artwork details; photo of inscription on canvas verso:
"The Indian Dream / he was jumping out of the door of his wigwam and dreamt he grabbed a tree limp and that water was comeing and upon awakeing he was going down on a river a extaully rideing and holding on the Horn of a great serpent [sic]"
sheet 29.5 x 23 in — 74.9 x 58.4 cm
Estimate $7,000-$8,500
Additional Images

Provenance:
Collection of Stan Lozenski, acquired directly from the Artist, Kenora, ON;
By descent to the Lozenski family, Kenora, ON;
Private Collection, Waterloo, ON;
Private Collection, Ontario
Note:
Central to the traditional worldview held by the Anishinaabeg, is the notion of an environment stratified into cosmological layers, divided between the upper sky realm of the Thunderbirds, and the lower underworld realm of horned serpents and Mishipeshu (sometimes called the underwater lynx.) While underworld beings were often associated with danger and sometimes themselves were said to be harmful, they were also sought out in dreams as sources of medicine and aids in navigating the dangers of the realm of people.
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 artworks to Lozenski. The works were hung on the walls of the Lozenskis’ cabin outside Kenora until Stan’s death in 1988.
Accompanied by a notarized letter of provenance from Stan Lozenski's daughter and grandson.
To read more about the artist, click here.
CONDITION DETAILS
Overall very good condition. Some discolouration, possibly hinge related, scattered handling dents. Draws evident at bottom edge, small white media, may be artist generated. Please note that this work has not been removed from its housing for inspection.
Please contact the specialist for further condition information.