Creation & Transformation: Defining Moments in Inuit Art
January 25, 2013 to April 14, 2013
The collection of Inuit art held by the Winnipeg Art Gallery is extraordinary by any standard: its geographic range, diverse media, and its size have brought international renown to the collection of 13,000 artworks. As the WAG celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2012–2013, this major exhibition of 115 artworks will reveal the scope of the collection and will feature many of the Gallery’s treasures as it marks this important milestone. Organized chronologically, the exhibition will demonstrate the genesis and evolution of contemporary Inuit art from 1949 to the present day: from carvers in the 1950s, such as Johnny Inukpuk, to later story-tellers in stone, such as Davidialuk Alasua Amittu, and in whale bone such as Karoo Ashevak; from pioneer graphic artist, Jessie Oonark, to graphic artists working today in new and personal idioms, such as Shuvinai Ashoona. The exhibition will be curated by WAG Curator of Inuit Art, Darlene Coward Wight and will be a celebration of creativity that has had many transformations over six decades.
To honour the scale and importance of this exhibition, and in partnership with the WAG, Douglas & McIntyre has published a large, high quality book that will speak not only to the history and genesis of contemporary Inuit art, but to the wealth and breadth of the WAG's Inuit art collection. This new historical narrative will be revealed in essays by international authorities Susan Gustavison, Ingo Hessel, Christine Lalonde, and Norman Vorano, led by the Winnipeg Art Gallery’s Curator of Inuit Art, Darlene Coward Wight, one of the world’s leading scholars in the field. The 256-page hard cover book features 140 colour and archival images and is available in the Gallery Shop for $65. It will be officially launched at McNally Robinson Booksellers at 7pm on Thursday, November 15.
Click here for an exhibition review in Galleries West magazine.
Click here for an exhibition review by Alison Gillmor for the CBC.
Click here for an exhibiton article by Carolin Veseley, Winnipeg Free Press
Click here for an exhibition review by Alison Gillmor for Canadian Art
The Manitoba Urban Inuit Association has built two igloos on the WAG rooftop. Click here to learn more.
Interactive Zone
Following-up on the amazing feedback that was received regarding the Rockwell Interactive Zone, the WAG is prepared to offer new exploratory activities for visitors to explore within this exhibition. Look for opportunities for children and adults to engage in the exhibition by creating their own artwork, leaving a message, and exploring timelines all based on discovering the fantastic world of contemporary Inuit art.
Sponsored By
Karoo Ashevak, Shaman, 1971
Related Programs & Events
Past Programs & Events
-
Trajectories of Transformation: A Symposium on Inuit Art
A one-day symposium exploring the defining moments in Inuit art.
Friday, January 25 from 9am to 5pm -
Free Public Opening
The largest exhibiton of Inuit art ever mounted by the WAG traces the development of this artform over the past six decades.
Friday, January 25 from 7pm to 10pm -
Tunniit: Retracing the Lines of Inuit Tattoos
An intriguing documentary about the lost tradition of Inuit facial tattoos.
Saturday January 26 at 7pm -
Interactive Family Tours
A great way to spend family time together!
Sunday February 3 at 1pmSunday March 3 at 1pmSunday April 7 at 1pm -
Creation and Transformation Drop-In Exhibition Tours
Sunday drop-in tours of the largest exhibition of Inuit art ever mounted by the WAG.
Sunday February 3 at 2pmSunday February 10 at 2pmSunday February 17 at 2pmSunday February 24 at 2pmSunday March 3 at 2pmSunday March 10 at 2pmSunday March 17 at 2pmSunday March 24 at 2pmSunday March 31 at 2pmSunday April 7 at 2pmSunday April 14 at 2pm -
Members' Tour
A members-only tour of this major exhibition of Inuit art.
Wednesday February 6 at 12pm -
Curator's Tour of Creation and Transformation
Join Darlene Coward Wight, Curator of Inuit Art, for a tour of the largest exhibition of Inuit art ever mounted by the WAG.
Wednesday February 6 at 12pm -
Art Eats
Dinner at Storm Bistro followed by a tour of Creation and Transformation: Defining Moments in Inuit Art.
Friday, February 8 from 6pm to 9pmFriday, March 1 from 6pm to 9pm -
Linocut and Stencil Printmaking Workshop
Register now for this 2-day workshop.
Saturday February 9 at 12pmSaturday February 16 at 12pm -
Video: Inuit Odyssey
A video journey across the North and a millenium back in time.
Wednesday February 13 at 12pm -
Video: Treasure from the Far Fur Country
A special screening of rarely seen films from the archives of the Hudson Bay Company.
Wednesday February 20 at 12pm -
Art Eats - Special Edition
A special Art Eats offers dinner at Storm Bistro followed by an in-depth tour of the exhibition led by Darlene Coward Wight, Curator of Inuit Art.
Friday, February 22 from 6pm to 9pmFriday, March 22 from 6pm to 9pm -
Arctic Adventure
Inspired by the exhibition Creation and Transformation: Defining Moments in Inuit Art, this exciting afternoon will feature fun activities and performances by Inuit artists. Explore the history of Inuit art by engaging in an interactive family exhibition tour. Watch and learn the art of throat singing, build your own Inuksuk and Inuit work of art, and much more!
Sunday, March 17 from 1:30pm to 4pm
Gallery Hours
Tuesday through Sunday 11am - 5pm
Friday 11am - 9pm
Closed Mondays
Open on the following holidays:
- Victoria Day
- Canada Day
- August Civic Holiday
- Remembrance Day (open 1-5pm)
- Christmas Eve
- Boxing Day
- New Year's Day
- Louis Riel Day
Closed on the following holidays:
- Easter Monday
- Labour Day
- Thanksgiving
- Christmas Day