During the 1950s, the term “contemporary Inuit sculpture” was used to distinguish new work from that produced during the Prehistoric and Contact eras. Today, however, the use of this term to cover a fifty-year period has made it something of a misnomer. This exhibition focused on sculpture created over the past decade and looks at what is really “contemporary” within Inuit sculpture. Through a selection of twenty-five works, the exhibition explored the current ideas and the changes in the artists’ approach to sculpture – their choice of subject matter, and the media in which they work. While sculpture created since the 1990s frequently adheres to traditional themes – such as Inuit stories and legends – the interpretations are informed by personal vision, experiences and concerns. It increasingly reflects changes in working conditions, style and media.

Organized by the National Gallery of Canada