Winnipeg couple’s artwork featured in Google Doodle

A Winnipeg couple’s artwork is being featured as a Google Doodle on the internet’s most recognized search engines.

The piece was created to celebrate National Indigenous Peoples Day while honouring a person the artists consider one of Canada’s most influential artists.

Danielle Morrison and Blake Angeconeb worked together to create a Woodland-style image inspired by the work of Anishinaabe artist Norval Morrisseau.

The painting done by Angeconeb was turned into a digital graphic by Morrison and posted online at midnight above the Google Canada search bar for all to see.

“It was pretty mind-blowing, to say the least, because we understood that millions of people would be seeing this artwork when it launched,” said Morrison.

“Norvell was considered the grandfather of the Woodlands school of art and also considered a founder of contemporary Indigenous art. He really paved the way for many Indigenous artists to find their way in mainstream society.”

Morrison is originally from Anishinaabeg of Naonagashiing and Angeconeb is from Lac Seul First Nation, both located in northwestern Ontario.

Morrison says it was an honour to pay homage to Morrisseau in their Google art design. The strong contrasting colours were chosen in keeping with the theme of Woodlands art and the flowers are reminiscent of Indigenous beadwork, surrounding a portrait of Morrisseau.

Google doodle created by Danielle Morrison and Blake Angeconeb. (Photo Credit: Google)

“We wanted to make sure that he was honoured on this very special day and some of the pieces that are around his head are very similar to a headdress, which is how he would have portrayed himself in a lot of artworks as well.”

Morrison says Morrisseau was known for pushing boundaries in his art and touched on taboo subjects including gender, race, sexuality and religion.

She adds most people don’t know Morrisseau identified as bisexual, and she feels it is fitting to share a design inspired by him on National Indigenous Peoples Day, occurring during Pride month.

“You know there’s a lot of young people in our communities who I think deserve that love and acceptance, LGBTQ2S+, and I hope that they also see a bit of themselves in Norval today.”

A statement by Google Canada reads in part: “Today’s Doodle showcasing Norval Morrisseau pays tribute to an important Indigenous person, artist and humanitarian. Google’s Aboriginal and Indigenous network helps Google Doodles respectfully honour and represent Indigenous contributions in Canada and beyond.”

As for Morrison, she hopes all people will feel welcome and participate in National Indigenous Peoples Day celebrations taking place across Canada.

“We have so many amazing and inspiring people working in our communities, we are a beautiful people, and I want people to celebrate the good that is happening in our communities.