Montreal art exhibition takes flight with work from Kinngait artists
Theme revolves around birds and their cultural significance in Inuit Nunangat
This piece, called Man, Boy and Birds, is a serpentine stone carving by Kinngait-based carver Pitseolak Qimirpik, who is known to present his playful sense of humour in his art. (Photo by Cedric Gallant, special to Nunatsiaq News)
La Guilde director France Cantin says the gallery specializes in working with Inuit communities, bringing Arctic art to Montreal for more people to enjoy. (Photo by Cedric Gallant, special to Nunatsiaq News)
A new Montreal art exhibition is displaying a curated blend of traditional and contemporary art from Kinngait to kick off the 35th International First Peoples’ Festival.
The exhibition, titled Summer Arrival, first opened its doors at the La Guilde gallery on July 31. The exhibit is open until Sept. 13.
La Guilde is a non-profit art gallery created in 1906, known for its specialty in Inuit and First Nations art from around Canada.
The exhibition’s theme is centred around the cultural significance of birds in Inuit culture, from their ecological, spiritual and cultural importance.
Of the 25 pieces being displayed at the gallery, some come from the 1980s while others are modern takes on Inuit art. Most of the more than 25 artists named at the gallery come from Kinngait.
France Cantin, gallery director at La Guilde, says her gallery has been in contact with the West Baffin Co-operative to transport paintings and sculptures from Kinngait to the gallery.
La Guilde’s mission, says Cantin, “is to continue promoting Inuit artists whilst subscribing to more fair practices with the artists as well.”
The exhibition features complex serpentine and soapstone carvings from artists like Pitseolak Qimirpik and Toonoo Sharky. It also features paintings from Qavavau Manumie and Quvianaqtuk Pudlat.
Some pieces are for sale, but others remain part of La Guilde’s exclusive collection.
Cantin said she finds having an exhibition gives Inuit artists the visibility they deserve.
“A lot of people are not very knowledgeable about Inuit art and have a dated view; they see the art as traditional,” she said.
With her curation, Cantin wanted to show Inuit artists are “contemporary artists like any other artists.”
“It is a long-term attempt for us to create a bridge between the northern and southern communities,” she said.
“To change the perception people have of Inuit communities, people who might have a nebulous understanding of the culture, and engage in an open dialogue with Indigenous communities.”
(0) Comments