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Do you love Inuit art as much as I do? You’re in for a treat in March if the answer is Yes! There is an Inuit Print Exhibit opening at the Writer’s Center in Bethesda, MD, on the evening of March 5. Print: Caribou Spirit, print by Ningeokuluk Teevee […]
Imagine, the World Bank is exhibiting my collection of Inuit sculptures for a month! What a great satisfaction to see my hobby – collecting Inuit art, a labor of love – become a worthy contribution. I’m confident that those witnessing the exhibit will appreciate the skill of the artists and sheer beauty of the sculptures as well as learn about the fascinating Inuit culture in the Arctic. I hope that this exhibit helps these important Inuit artists, virtually unknown to most scholars and lovers of art, become more widely recognized, as they deserve to be, and that the artists (often known by a single name) represented in the exhibit – Osuitok, Tiktak, Davidialuk, Pangnark, Ruben, Nasogaluak, Anghik, Iksitaaryuk, Ennutsiak, Qiyuk, Equalla, Isaaci, Kellipalik, Kiawak, Qiatsuq, Talirunili, Ugyuk, Judas, Sallualu, Latcholassie and Oviloo – become familiar and join the ranks of other famous artists throughout the world.
Despite all originating in the frozen Artic, I think it’s fair to say that diversity is one of the defining elements of Inuit art. Yes, it is possible to see many sculptures on the same subject, such as caribou, family or shamanic beliefs. How these topics are depicted, however, are as individualistic as the artists. Take a look and decide if you agree with me.
Many Inuit sculptures depict animals and lifestyle in the Arctic, which are easy subjects to comprehend within our experience. We are familiar with polar bears, seals, birds and other species, as well as with common activities, such as hunting, giving birth, family life and the like. However, myths that are foreign to our experience also a major focus of Inuit art. The most widespread Inuit myth is that of the Sedna or mermaid (part woman, part fish), who was Goddess of the Sea.
Surviving the harsh Arctic conditions and the paucity of social safety nets put a wedge between self-absorption and requirements for survival. The slideshow presented in this post features Inuit sculptures from my collection that portray strikingly, as only art can do, how Inuit coped with death.