Montreal Museum of Fine Arts Highlights Inuit Cultural Identity

My reaction to the exhibition can only be described as pure joy, especially with its references to the natural world. Everything about the exhibition design, from the rock-like upholstery to the wall text, beautifully promotes an appreciation for the Inuit worldview, emphasizing their profound connection to nature and spiritual traditions.

It's worth noting that the museum space previously showcased Mediterranean culture, such as Greek, Roman, or Egyptian artifacts, historically considered the foundation of the museum's identity. However, the MMFA has reassessed its goals and is now focusing on working with living artists and their creations. This shift is a transformational gesture, especially after years of emphasizing colonial history. 

Additionally, MMFA features an excellent exhibition of Canadian Joyce Wieland's work, documenting her interactions with the Inuit people through notebooks and quilts depicting Arctic plants and animals. ᐆᒻᒪᖁᑎᒃ uummaqutik: essence of life serves as a new installation of the permanent collection of Inuit art.

For those unfamiliar, the Inuit are an Indigenous people primarily inhabiting the Arctic regions of Canada, Greenland, and Alaska. They are descendants of the Thule people, who migrated from Alaska to the eastern Arctic around 1000 CE. They speak Inuktitut and other Inuit languages which vary by region, and many also speak English, French, or Danish. Historically, their survival depended on sustainable hunting and a deep understanding of the environment, as evident in the artwork "Ancestor, Untitled (Child Watching Mother Cut a Fish),” (1950).

Traditional Inuit diets relied on seals, whales, fish, and caribou. In winter, they constructed igloos, while in summer, they used animal skin tents. Today, many Inuit live in modern settlements but maintain cultural traditions like throat singing, carving, and hunting. Climate change significantly impacts their way of life, with melting ice affecting hunting and travel. They traditionally used dog sleds (qamutik) and kayaks for travel. Animals such as polar bears, seals, and birds are frequently depicted in their art, symbolizing survival and respect for nature.

For the inaugural display, members of the Southern Quebec Inuit Association enthusiastically chose Qumaluk Tukalak’s (1936-) "Untitled Mother and Son Pulling Walrus from Water" for a special display case within the museum. This sculpture depicts a hardworking mother and son pulling a walrus with a rope.

Mattiusi Iyaituk and Étienne Guay’s "Iqualuullamiluuq (First Mermaid) That Can Maneuver on the Land (Sidecar)" from 2016 transforms motorcycles into the first mermaid capable of moving on land.

The exhibition's combination of materials and expressions creates beautiful moments. It is truly time for the Inuit to have a platform to express themselves and share their stories.

The exhibition strengthens Inuit identity and language by showcasing Inuit syllabics through wall labels, storytelling, and traditional symbols, reinforcing the importance of Inuktitut and cultural identity. It serves as an inspiration for future generations of young Inuit artists, allowing them to see their culture celebrated and encouraging the revival of traditional practices like stone carving and printmaking. 

The exhibition successfully illustrates the contrast between traditional and contemporary artists' use of materials. Early Inuit sculptures were carved from walrus ivory, whalebone, and soapstone, while modern artists may use alabaster and synthetic materials.

In summary, while the Inuit art market significantly contributes to the economy and cultural identity, it faces challenges related to artists’ rights and external economic factors, such as the tariff wars. Ongoing advocacy and policy considerations are crucial to support and sustain this vital sector of culture. 

Historically, Inuit artists have been excluded from mainstream Western art markets, sometimes leading to their inclusion in outsider fairs. Whether or not they should be considered “outsiders” is debatable. Inuit art remains a marker of cultural resilience, reflecting the community’s response to changes that threaten their cultural practices. The resurgence of Inuit cultural pride is evident by the museum’s lecture program which links it to a broader public.