September 17, 2008
OTTAWA-The Office of the Secretary to the Governor General (OSGG) will install a new artwork in the Rideau Hall Ballroom on September 18, 2008. Created by world-renowned Canadian Aboriginal artist Norval Morrisseau, the painting, entitled Androgyny, will replace Charlottetown Revisited, a work created by the Jean Paul Lemieux, which has been on loan from the Confederation Centre of the Arts since 2006.
About Androgyny
In Androgyny, Morrisseau represents the Ojibway shaman's world view, showing a thriving and bountiful world in which all the diverse elements are in perfect balance. With its impressive height of 3.66 metres and width of 6.1 metres, its brilliant colours, and the artist's knowledge and understanding of the Ojibway cosmology, this artwork is a true masterpiece. Morrisseau donated this painting to the Canadian people on April 15, 1983. He was awarded the Order of Canada in 1979.
The loan of Androgyny to Rideau Hall is made possible thanks to a partnership with the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada, and the Indian and Inuit Art Centre. The piece will be on display until 2011 and will be seen by everyone visiting Rideau Hall.
For more information on the choice of this piece, a blog by the Governor General will be posted on the Citizen Voices Web site (www.citizenvoices.gg.ca).
Media briefing and photo opportunity – Thursday, September 18, 2008
Media are invited to cover the installation of the new artwork and attend a short briefing with representatives from the OSGG and the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs Canada.
The briefing will take place at 3 pm, on Thursday, September 18, 2008, inside the Rideau Hall Ballroom.
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Media wishing to attend are asked to confirm their presence in advance
with the Rideau Hall Press Office.
Media Information
Marie-Ève Létourneau
Rideau Hall Press Office
613-998-0287
www.gg.ca
www.citizenvoices.gg.ca
