Morrison's Driftwood Landscapes Spark Discussion on Colonial Interpretation

George Morrison ‘43, a member of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, is being remembered for his pioneering driftwood landscapes that now fuel discussions on power dynamics and Indigenous resistance.

Morrison's weathered driftwood landscapes reflect his deep ties to nature and Indigenous identity. His collages explored narratives of frontier past and neoliberal future, while Indigenous voices and claims to land were marginalized. Despite initial exclusion, Morrison's work gained acclaim in the 1960s and 1970s. Yet, debates arise on how settler institutions interpreted his art, often sidelining its Indigenous context and significance. As Morrison's art is reexamined, his contributions to the art world take on new dimensions of appreciation and scrutiny.

Learn More

• How Indigenous Artist George Morrison Resists Ecological and Cultural Extraction
  (edgeeffects.net—May 2, 2024)