ᐆᒻᒪᖁᑎᒃ
A new presentation of the Montreal Museum of Fine Art's Inuit art collection
Starting on November 8, 2024
With this exhibition, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (MMFA) invites the public to experience Inuit art in newly conceived premises. Shown in brightly lit renovated and modernized galleries totalling 200 m2 on the ground floor of the Michal and Renata Hornstein Pavilion, ᐆᒻᒪᖁᑎᒃ uummaqutik: essence of life doubles the Museum's exhibition space dedicated to Inuit art.
Conceived by Inuk artist and curator Asinnajaq, this new presentation of the Museum's Inuit art collection prompts the visitors to meditate on the rhythms of life particular to the circumpolar territories known together as Inuit Nunangat (Inuit homelands in Canada). It brings together works dating from 1949 to today that demonstrate richness and diversity in contemporary Inuit artistic expression.
Prioritizing a bold storytelling approach, this evolving display will be periodically updated over the next five years, allowing the public to admire a rotation of some 120 works by 70 Inuit artists from Nunavik, Nunavut, Nunatsiavut, and the Inuvialuit Nunangat. Many of the works are being presented at the Museum for the first time.
ᐆᒻᒪᖁᑎᒃ uummaqutik: essence of life
This inaugural presentation of uummaqutik comprises 60 works from the MMFA's collection – prints, drawings, textile works, photographs, paintings, sculptures and installations – by artists such as Siku Allooloo, Darcie Bernhardt, Lucassie Echalook, Charlie Alakkariallak Inukpuk, Niap, Gayle Uyagaqi Kabloona, Joe Talirunili and Jessica Winters, not to mention the eye-popping motorbike sidecar by Mattiusi Iyaituk and Etienne Guay, on loan from Avataq Cultural Institute, as well as a selection of works that are promised gifts from Lois and Daniel Miller. Later on, the space will also feature works by Kudluajuk Ashoona, Shuvinai Ashoona, Annie Pootoogook and Johnny Pootoogook, among other renowned artists.
The energy that unites living beings and transforms our universe
Through these artforms, artists share with visitors their views on the simple and at times extraordinary moments of life, including childbirth, child rearing, everyday activities and seasonal community work. Together, the works on view portray these moments as a sharing and transmission of energy between humans and all other living beings with whom they coexist, including the plants, stones and stars.
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All photos @Nadia Slejskova
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Visit the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts website to check on the opening hours and to purchase your tickets online.
