Shaman Child

Medium: acrylic on canvas
Size (inches): 38 x 32
Size (cm): 95 x 80

Status: Available for Purchase

Observations: Although Morrisseau is not frequently noted for his loving portraits of children, few Canadian artists have done it better (Peel's 'The Bath' comes to mind). This portrait of a young boy holding a club-like touch stick enlarges on the view of a game much like 'tag' but connected to the push and pull of combat. This painting dates to the early 1980s, the colour has become very vivid and hints at the complexity of his future work. The use of contrasting blue and yellow, with accompanying accents in violet and green, as well as the multicoloured beaver hat, gives the piece a dynamic surface energy and a very pleasant presence.