Norval Morrisseau
Copper Thunderbird: Merman Ruler of Water
I saw the Morrisseau exhibit at the National Gallery last week (runs until April 30, by the way). It's really a thrilling exhibit. Well worth the $12 ($10 students). One of the questions it raises is about rights of representation, so much an issue these days. The Anishnaabe were upset at his display of the sacred stories, something that was taboo for them -- sound like another recent world event? -- but Morrisseau was at least an insider. I was moved by the exhibit, and i wrote some draft poems about it, but I shouldn't, right? He did some Catholic-themed stuff too, which is a bit of a defense... it also made me rethink 'Tungu', which might have been a bit of nonsense ... anyway...