Inuit art shows survival, tradition
By Matthew A. Terry
Lance Writer
September 7, 2010
 The art style of the Inuit and the Cape Dorset people is founded upon a long tradition of survival and tradition, but also has been heavily influenced by western forms. Uumajut: Symbols of Power, one of the Art Gallery of Windsor’s current exhibits, running until Nov. 28, shows the distinct art of the northern people.
There are some significant differences between the Inuit sculptural and imagery styles, however, the predominance of form and texture—as opposed to the focus on detail present in most Western art—is similar to the style often associated with the native North American art forms. Irquimia Juanisialu’s soapstone carving and print “Hunters and Polar Bear”—created in 1965—and Qumalu Sivuarapi’s sculpture “Mother and Child”—purchased by the gallery in 1964—are perfect examples of the simple beauty derived from the Inuit focus on form.
On the other hand, western influence on the materials used in Inuit art are also featured in the exhibit. Luke Anquhdluq’s “Swimming Caribou,” drawn in 1973, still focuses on form and animal iconography—much like typical Inuit art—but uses coloured pencils on paper, eschewing the more traditional stonecut printing or skin stencilling.
Another form of western influence on Inuit art is in the actual subject matter. Traditionally, Inuit art focuses on hunting and animal iconography—much like Kellypalik Mungituk Mangitak’s stonecut print “Man carried to the moon” and Niviaksiak’s “Man hunting at a seal hole in the ice”—however, due to the western desire for more contemporary imagery and the increased permanence of their settlements, Inuit sculpture became larger. Traditionally, Inuit sculpture tended to be small and they diversified their artwork to include mothers and children and scenes of Inuit camp life. An example of a larger sculpture present in the gallery’s exhibit is the whalebone figure “Taleelayo,” which Arnakak Paulaoosie carved circa 1970.
One of the more treasured parts of the exhibit are acclaimed Inuit artist Kenojuak Ashevak’s “Young girl’s thoughts of birds” and “The Owl”—an internationally recognized stonecut print made in 1963 and featured in the Canada Post’s Masterpieces of Canadian Art series of stamps. They are a beautiful pair of prints, and are perfect examples of the traditional styles of Inuit art.
The exhibit is a beautiful inclusion at the Art Gallery of Windsor, and the featured artwork is a perfect example of contemporary Inuit art. The sculptures are phenomenal and the drawings, paintings, and prints beautiful. A visit to this extraordinary and unique exhibit is recommended to all.
For information regarding hours, admission, and location, visit www.agw.ca.
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