George Morrison (1919-2000). Oil and acrylic on canvas titled “Nocturne.” Signed and dated 1959 along the lower left. A partial tag with the artist’s address is adhered to the verso. Exhibited: Grand Central Gallery, New York, New York; Dayton Art Institute, Dayton, Ohio; before 1962 Provenance: Directly from artist; Dr. Richard Haber, New York, purchased 1962; Important New York Collection; Private collection, Minnesota George Morrison was born in 1919 in Grand Marais, Minnesota. He grew up primarily in neighboring Chippewa City, with his family, who were part of the Grand Portage Band of Ojibwe (Anishinaabe, Chippewa). Growing up, he constantly created art, and after high school, he received a scholarship to the Minnesota School of Art (MCAD). After graduation, he moved to New York City to study at the Art Students League. In New York, his work became increasingly abstract, and he soon became involved with the New York School and the Abstract Expressionists. Throughout the 1960s, Morrison continued to produce art as well as teach, working throughout the country at colleges including the Dayton Art Institute and the Rhode Island School of Design. Eventually, he accepted a position at the University of Minnesota, returning to his Minnesota roots. He taught in both the art department and the American Indian Studies department. Morrison remained very in touch with his Native American identity and community, despite refusing to let his art be defined by it. After his retirement from the University of Minnesota, Morrison moved back North to the shore of Lake Superior, where he lived and created art until his death in 2000.

Height: 39 in x width: 42 in.