Nunavut Artists 1960-2005
The exhibition Inuit Art 1960-2005 presents drawings and wall hangings by Canadian Inuit artists from Baker Lake, Cape Dorset, and Holman in Nunavut, and from Povungnituk in Nunavik. Many of the artists depict spirit imagery and transformation subjects. The traditional belief was that every object has both a spiritual and physical realm. Under special circumstances humans and animals were believed to have the ability to transform one into another. Although Christianity is the prevalent religion in the Arctic today, traditional beliefs remain a dominant influence among the artists. Until the middle of the 20th century, the Inuit were living a nomadic lifestyle. Since then, they have undergone a rapid adaptation to modern technological society and its affect on their culture.
The visually compelling drawings and fabric works by artists from Baker Lake illustrate the rich heritage of shamanistic and spirit imagery from which they draw their inspiration. Drawings by artists from Cape Dorset range from an early 1960s drawing by Kenojuak to drawings about contemporary social issues and the effects of technology on Inuit life today. Some artists depict legends such as Davidialuk who illustrated the Kajutaijuit, strange spirit creatures thought to be the source of unexplainable noises in the night.
The exhibition Inuit Art 1960-2005 was organized by the Macdonald Stewart Art Centre and was originally shown at the Glenhyrst Art Gallery of Brandt from February 26 to April 17, 2005.
Image:
Irene Avaalaaqiaq,
Fighting Women, 2004
wool duffle and felt, cotton embroidery thread
Purchased with funds raised by the Art Centre Volunteers and with the financial
support of the Canada Council for the Arts Acquisition Assistance Program, 2005.
Macdonald Stewart Art Centre
Collection.