The artwork “The Virgin Mary” by Norval Morrisseau, created in 1966, is a representative piece of the Naïve Art (Primitivism) movement. Distinguished as both a symbolic and religious painting, this piece embodies Morrisseau’s unique artistic style characterized by vibrant colors and profound spiritual symbolism.
In the artwork, the Virgin Mary is depicted in an abstract form, dominated by bold, contrasting colors including vivid hues of red, blue, and yellow, set against a striking orange background. The central figure, representing the Virgin Mary, is adorned in elaborate attire, with stylized patterns resembling traditional indigenous art. Her eyes are portrayed in an intense, radiant manner, suggesting a transcendental presence. Surrounding her head, a crescent and cross-like symbols float, both adding to the spiritual and mystical aura of the painting. The intricate design elements and the use of symbolic motifs highlight the fusion between indigenous cultural representation and religious iconography, which is a hallmark of Morrisseau’s work.
