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.