Bird Totem #2
Norval Morrisseau
Silkscreen, 25” x 20”, 1974
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Everything renews itself because we are too polluted. Everything that we breath. Everything that we eat. The only thing I guess that's not polluted yet is our Spiritual environment. But it is our duty to maintain and keep that environment intact... if we ever get it polluted...
Norval Morrisseau, 1997
Protecting the Inspirational Environment
On September 1 2011 retired teacher, Maggie Hatfield, appeared for day two of her civil court trial against defendants, Donna Child, and Artworld Inc. (d.b.a. Artworld of Sherway.)
Ms. Hatfield's claim? Artworld of Sherway knowingly sold her a fake Norval Morrisseau painting. A painting that Norval Morrisseau specifically identified as fake in a sworn affidavit.
Ms. Hatfield's claim contends that prior to her purchase Artworld of Sherway were contacted by Morrisseau through estate and legal representatives with regard to the promotion and sales of fake Morrisseau art.
When Ms. Hatfield discovered the Morrisseau affidavit discrediting her painting she requested a refund but Artworld of Sherway refused, thereby forcing Ms. Hatfield to sue. Artworld of Sherway maintain that the painting is authentic.
On September 1 2011 Don Robinson of the Kinsmen Robinson Galleries testifying as an expert witness confirmed that the painting is an inferior forgery. The Hatfield v Sherway trial will continue on November 16 2011.
Bird Totem #1
Norval Morrisseau
Silkscreen, 25” x 20”, 1974
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Feel the mountains rumble
Feel the ground move before your feet
Feel the energy of impending justice.
Feel the righteous wind blow
The thunderbirds are gathering
and for a moment, the earth will shake
and then fall silent
Take advantage of the silence
and feel the wind of peace
the warm wind of forgiveness
and grace
The thunderbirds are gathering
and the rainbow is forming
the sun is rising
and darkness is setting
Don Wright 2011
Posts
Simple and delicate images by Norval Morrisseau. Always a treat to see.
ReplyDeleteAs for the above details regarding Ms Hatfield's claim.
AWOS maintains the works are authentic?
So they know better than the artist himself ?
Good luck with that...
Please continue to keep the public informed as this appears to be the only place to find factual and accurate details regarding this hideous
deceit.
Case Update - The Hatfield v. Artworld Inc. trial has been adjourned until February 23rd and 24th 2012. It was adjourned on consent before trial proceedings continued on November 16th 2011
ReplyDeleteCase Update - During two more days of trial Don Robinson, Ritchie Sinclair, Donna Child and Wolf Morriseau testified. The trial continues on June 4 2012 when defence witnesses Joe McLeod, Dr. Singla, Jim White and Marlowe Goring are slated to testify.
ReplyDeleteWe own a limited edition print of Bird Totem #1, so I am very curious as to what will be the outcome of the case. We'll be disappointed if it is found to be a forgery.
ReplyDeleteMy apologies. I could have been clearer. Your print and the original paintings pictured above are authentic Morrisseau paintings. The counterfeit painting that is the subject of the Hatfield v Sherway lawsuit is located here.
ReplyDelete