Norval Morrisseau described Bear Father, Bear Son as, “Bear Gives Knowledge to Man. Man Gives Knowledge to Son,” highlighting themes of kinship and transformation. Contrasted against a yellow background, flowing blue lines connect animals, humans, insects, and orbs. Their brightly colored, geometric forms overlap, blurring the boundaries between figures. The wide-eyed bear appears to carry the others, who face butterflies in the corner. Bears, deeply meaningful in Anishinaabe cosmology and to Morrisseau personally, symbolize guidance and family. 

This collection has been prepared with the consent and involvement of the Official Norval Morrisseau Estate – making Acrylic the only certified reproducer of Norval Morrisseau’s works.