August 17 – 31, 2012
Opening: Friday, August 17, 2012, 7 -9 p.m.
MUSEUM OF INUIT ART GALLERY
On August 17, the Museum of Inuit Art Gallery, home of the Global Inuit Art Project, had the rare opportunity to host master artist Jaco Ishulutaq from Nunavut for several gallery events. Visitors enjoyed Ishulutaq speaking vividly about his inspirations, his process and particular artworks in the current gallery solo show: “Stories from the North.”
Jaco Ishulutaq speaking of his art surrounded by viewers at his opening on August 17th, in the Museum of Inuit Art Gallery.
During these events, Ishulutaq detailed some of the stories that his narrative artworks depict. For instance, in “Mother and Child” you see a mother holding a disk with a child held on her back. Ishulutaq explained that the disk is a game the mother is playing, and that the child is happy to help the mother as they have a typically close relationship; familial relationships are an important aspect of Inuit culture. The organizers took several videos of Jaco Ishulutaq discussing his works, which you can soon see in the gallery.
Jaco Ishulutaq, Mother and Child
Jaco Ishulutaq during his visit explained his techniques, how to carve whale bone carefully using small power tools and the finest grade of sandpaper to create his high gloss finishes. He also gave a live demonstration, spending Saturday making a small sculpture outside the museum.
Jaco Ishulutaq working outside of the Museum
Jaco Ishulutaq’s visit to Toronto was sponsored by the Canadian Arctic Producers, Nunavut Arts and Crafts Association and the Museum of Inuit Art.
The show will continue to run throughout August.
Christine Pratt