ADVANCING AMERICAN INDIAN ART
The first comprehensive retrospective of a key Native American modernist, Modern Spirit: The Art of George Morrison includes drawings, paintings, prints, and sculpture that bring together concepts of abstraction, landscape, and spiritual reflection in the mind and eye of this important 20th-century artist.
Half of the 80 works in the exhibition issue from the largest and most important collection of Morrison’s artwork in the country, the Minnesota Museum of American Art in St. Paul, Minnesota. The other 40 stem from important public and private collections from across the country. The exhibition is curated by W. Jackson Rushing III, Adkins Presidential Professor of Art History and Mary Lou Milner Carver Chair in Native American Art at the University of Oklahoma. Rushing’s teaching and scholarship explore the interstitial zone between (Native) American studies, anthropology, and art history.
“I seek the power of the rock, the magic of the water, the religion of the tree, the color of the wind, and the enigma of the horizon.”
– George Morrison
A full-color catalogue published by University of Oklahoma Press accompanies Modern Spirit: The Art of George Morrison. The exhibition is also supported by an interactive website that includes images, biographical information on Morrison, as well as educational resources to support student and adult learning about Morrison’s contributions.
If you’re interested in learning more about the life and work of George Morrison, our Books & More shop offers for sale:
No photography is allowed in the gallery during this exhibit.
Modern Spirit: The Art of George Morrison is organized by the Minnesota Museum of American Art and Arts Midwest with the Plains Art Museum. The exhibition and its national tour are supported by corporate sponsor Ameriprise Financial and foundation sponsor Henry Luce Foundation. Major support is provided by the National Endowment for the Arts and the generous contributions of individuals across the Midwest. Learn more about the exhibit at mmaamorrison.org.
"Spirit Path, New Day, Red Rock Variation: Lake Superior Landscape," 1990, acrylic and pastel on paper, 22½ × 301⁄8 in. Collection Minnesota Museum of American Art. Acquisition Fund Purchase.
"Red Totem," 1980, wood and paint, 145 x 20 x 20, Heard Museum. Purchased with funds provided by the Koll Company and Beta West Company.
