A world first: Acrylic Robotics to reproduce authorized, high-fidelity copies of Norval Morrisseau’s works for purchase
We recently revealed our plans to partner with the Norval Morrisseau Estate to detect forgeries of the artist’s work. Our robots are reproducing select Morrisseau paintings to help train the estate’s AI model, NORVAL AI, to detect discrepancies and deviations that could point to fraud.
But something even more exciting is brewing: this week, our robots will begin reproducing five carefully selected Morrisseau works that will be available for purchase.
The decision to launch these reproductions publicly follows a year of working with the estate to test and fine-tune the replicas to a point where they are ready to be unveiled.
For each, we will produce one “matrix” painting—a large-format, master copy collector’s edition—and a limited run of smaller replicas. The smaller versions will be painted on demand after the estate gauges interest among buyers. In keeping with art-world standards that help distinguish authorized reproductions from originals, neither version will match the original in size exactly.
Profits from the sale of limited-edition reproductions will be split between Acrylic Robotics and the estate to fund further AI development and legacy restoration efforts. A painting from each collection will also be donated to an Indigenous community or local gallery.
The five paintings to be reproduced are currently in gallery, estate or museum collections, so we are working with high-resolution photos.
Our AI-powered painting robot—nicknamed “Domo” by the estate—has already proven its ability to produce lifelike, textured paintings that preserve the vivid colours and surface textures that give Morrisseau’s work its rich emotional and spiritual impact.
“You see the texture. You see the brushstroke lines,” says Cory Dingle, the estate’s executive director. “These paintings look alive to us.”
Completing paintings and demo’ing Domo
Over the longer term, we hope to investigate whether, with the support of NORVAL AI, our robots may be able to complete some of Morrisseau’s unfinished or damaged works to allow his full creative vision to be shared with the world.
“We want to explore the opportunity to continue his legacy with the aid of technology,” says Dingle.
Dingle and Acrylic have also discussed sending Acrylic’s robots into Indigenous communities, schools, and museums around the world so people can see the reproductions being painted in real time and connect with Morrisseau’s work. This could reduce the carbon footprint associated with shipping large works of art.
“We could send Domo in to paint a high-quality replica, then donate or sell it after the show,” says Dingle.
Similarly, Acrylic and the estate are considering offering reproductions to remote Indigenous communities, healing centres and academic institutions around the world that would not normally have access to his paintings.
“The costs of insurance, shipping and security restrict the ability to share expensive paintings,” says Dingle. “Most of Norval’s great paintings are in national galleries that only bring them out every so often, but his works are meant to teach and inspire. We have to come up with a solution to get around these issues and share them. Working with Acrylic Robotics to generate lifelike replicas will achieve this.”
Pushing boundaries, making history
The Morrisseau estate sees commercial opportunity in selling authenticated reproductions to collectors, institutions and even film production companies that need high-quality stand-ins for originals. Acrylic is building the e-commerce platform for these ventures so the estate can focus on its cultural and artistic goals.
Ultimately, our partnership aims to protect Morrisseau’s legacy, promote the ethical use of AI in art, and empower Indigenous communities to reclaim and share their artistic heritage.
“What’s exciting here, even beyond the technology, is the opportunity to modernize the law around art, push the boundaries of what has been possible, make art history, and reclaim a legacy,” says Chloë Ryan, Acrylic Robotics’ co-founder and CEO.
This work also has the potential to benefit other artists and communities by creating more accessible, ethically produced, high-quality reproductions of important works.
ACRYLIC ROBOTICS makes robots that paint with precision and software that can turn any image or idea into a masterpiece with real brushstrokes. The company aims to create a new medium of fine art for the modern age.
