Carleton Curatorial Lab (CCL): Keeping Record: The Documentary Impulse in Inuit Art

May 2 - August 28, 2016

Inuit art has often been understood as having an apolitical focus on pre-contact life, meant to appeal to the primitivist sensibilities of collectors in the South.

This exhibition recasts such analyses of the subjects addressed by Inuit artists by viewing their depictions of traditional practices as acts of cultural resilience, in which they record their knowledge during periods of seismic change.

This documentary impulse is seen across all regions of Inuit Nunangat from the historical period to the present day.

The artists in this exhibition create artworks that strengthen their culture, communicate its unique values and advocate for its importance to non-Inuit audiences.

Curated by

Amy Prouty

Artists in the exhibition

Malaya Akulukjuk, Thomassie Kudluk, Zacharias Kunuk, Agnes Nanogak, Joanessie Napartook, Josie Papialook, Kananginak Pootoogook, Andrew Qappik, Elisha Sanguya, and Barry Pottle