Who do we call on in times of need? Kuujjuaq artist’s beadwork contemplates question
Panels by Taqralik Partridge feature Arctic fox, walrus and caribou
Taqralik Partridge, originally from Kuujjuaq, is one of six artists from across Canada shortlisted for the Sobey Art Award. The winner will be announced in November. (File photo by Kierstin Williams)
A Kuujjuaq artist’s beadwork is on display in the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa alongside works by artists from across the continent.
Beadwork by Taqralik Partridge, a multidisciplinary artist and curator, is featured as part of the travelling exhibit Radical Stitch that consists of more than 101 works by 44 First Nations, Inuit and Métis artists from Canada and the United States.
Partridge created her contribution, Apirsait, in 2020. It’s a series of mixed media glass beadwork panels that features Arctic creatures like caribou, walrus and Arctic fox.
“I think it’s a representation of a spirit, or various groups that can come and help you in times of need,” said Partridge.
She spoke about how her father always felt that the walrus was his spirit helper during a time of Inuit starvation.
Her father told her about a time when he was cold and starving until someone brought him walrus meat, which saved his life.
“The reason I chose this topic … is because in 2019 going into 2020, there were massive forest fires in the Amazon and in Australia,” said Partridge.
“Of course, Indigenous Peoples are the first people to experience the brunt of the effects of those things and all climate change effects and I was thinking about who do we call on during times of need?”
Partridge said she created the beadwork at her kitchen table while living in Norway. This is reflected in the work, as she used materials available to her from around the house.
The pieces are made with glass beads, sewing scraps, dental floss, a dish cloth and plastic garbage from the packaging of chicken nuggets.
“The idea of being kind to the environment, I think for me, is also about using stuff that’s around, not just buying stuff that is so-called green,” she said. “Or using what we already have and is making a mess.”
Partridge is also one of four Inuit artists longlisted for the 2024 Sobey Art Award.
Radical Stitch is open for viewing at the National Gallery of Canada until Sept. 30.
Calling that art garbage is not offensive, come recycle my “green” pile of potential works of art🤑 You Rock Duckalick🤘🏽
Indigenous art, beading, beautiful. The island of present day New York was sold to European settlers for beads, so highly valued they were. Puerto Vallarta area artists use beads pressed into wax to create beautiful pieces of art. 🍀🌿❤️