Norval Morrisseau described Bear Father, Bear Son as, “Bear Gives Knowledge to Man. Man Gives Knowledge to Son.” This is because in this painting, Norval has transformed into a bear, as is the Shaman's responsibility, to go and communicate with the other bears in the wilderness to learn medicine and to learn about the happenings of the wilderness. He is now teaching his son, a young apprentice, how to transform into the bear. 

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 piece is 24x32 and one of a limited collection of 10 editions. 

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

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.