A legacy is a gift left behind for those of us who carry on. To a shaman, even a curse is a gift of sorts, in that it provides contrasting material to be “Shamanized”.

Imagine this. One day you wake up lost in the Sahara without food or water. Aimlessly you wander in search of sustenance, searing in the heat by day and freezing by night. Miraculously one day you stumble upon an oasis. Ecstatically you quench your thirst in precious water from an ancient well and you feel rejuvenated. Yet the water from this well has been tainted with poison from which you, and all who drink from it, succumb.

For those with eyes to see this allegory highlights the significance of Morrisseau’s art, both in terms of spirit and of the spiritual pollution that sought to undermine the purity of his artistic legacy. In this failed attempt at doing so, shamanic power has been unleashed which otherwise would have remained dormant, propelling Morrisseau’s story and sacred art into the international spotlight.

The purity of Morrrisseau’s body of work is like a transformational butterfly, while its diseased antithesis, the moth, is compelled to cover up the light of the grand shaman’s vision in toxic debris, thereby diluting its brilliance.

Morrisseau’s art is invaluable. Going beyond limitations of language and culture it presents an inherent inclusiveness with the capacity to ignite entire societies. Like water, it connects everyone with everything. Within the pantheon of humanity’s “great artists” none carry the breadth, depth, weight or raw spiritual power of “The People’s Artist”, Norval Morrisseau.

Morrisseau’s legacy is current, yet attuned to our common ancestry which, like a compass arrow, directs us forward into promise. Without direction we are lost.

Morrisseau’s legacy is the legacy of the avid art collector who drinks at the well of the sacred, hoping that its water is pure and its guidance sound.

Morrisseau’s legacy is the legacy of the Anishinaabe who rediscover solid ground, pride, reconnection and the thrill of true freedom.

Morrisseau’s legacy is the legacy of the children of the world whose imaginations are sparked into magical reality.

Morrisseau’s legacy is the legacy of the noble artist incentivised to come to know and share spirit.

Morrisseau’s legacy is the inspirational legacy of a country called Canada.

Morrisseau’s legacy is the legacy of an empowered humanity.

We are all one In Spirit.

Ritchie Sinclair, May 4th 2024