WAG-Qaumajuq opens Qaumajuq’s second show – Inuit Sanaugangit: Art Across Time

Massive exhibition brings together nearly 400 works of sanaugangit – “Art by Inuit”

Winnipeg, Manitoba, March 30, 2023: The Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG)-Qaumajuq is proud to present Inuit Sanaugangit: Art Across Time, a celebration of sanaugangit (sa-now-gan-eet or sa-now-gah-knee), “art by Inuit”— a survey of artistic expression from approximately 200 BCE until the present day.

Curated by Dr. Darlene Coward Wight and Jocelyn Piirainen, Inuit Sanaugangit: Art Across Time brings together a staggering selection of nearly 400 works produced by artists from Siberia, Alaska, Canada, and Greenland. Canadian work from the Contemporary Period will share creative highlights from Inuit communities across the Canadian arctic from Nunavut, Nunavik, Nunatsiavut, and the Inuvialuit Settlement Region. In scale, Inuit Sanaugangit represents a truly expansive overview of the past and present: art across time. The exhibition lays a solid foundation for future research and exhibitions exploring and celebrating the creative work of artists across the Arctic.

The public is invited to join us at a special opening celebration of Inuit Sanaugangit: Art Across Time on Friday, March 31, 2023. Doors open at 7:00pm, with program beginning at 7:30pm. The event will feature remarks from Dr. Stephen Borys, WAG-Qaumajuq Director & CEO, and exhibition curators Dr. Darlene Coward Wight and Jocelyn Piirainen. For the remainder of the evening, guests are invited to enjoy the cash bar, music by The Kaptain and throat singing by Goota Ashoona and Mary Ashoona, and explore the exhibition! Admission is FREE.

Quick Facts:

• Inuit Sanaugangit: Art Across Time will be open to the public from April 1, 2023 – January 7, 2024.
• Inuit Sanaugangit: Art Across Time features close to 400 works from across the circumpolar Arctic—some dating as early as 200 BCE. Historic and contemporary art practices include sculpture, drawing, clothing, printmaking, and film by Inuit (Canada), Kalaallit (Greenland), Yup’ik and Unangax/Aleutian artists (Alaska and Siberia).
• Contemporary artists include: Lukie Airut, Manasie Akpaliapik, Roger Aksadjuak, Laurent Aksadjuak, Fanny Algaalaga Avatituq, Eva Talooki Aliktiluk, Adam Alorut, James Alasuak Amittu, Syollie Amituk, Gary Andersen, Holly Andersen, Peggy Andersen, Elizabeth Angrnaqquaq, Luke Anowtalik, George Arlook, Jeannie Arnaanuk, Germaine Arnaktauyok, Pitseolak Ashoona, Shuvinai Ashoona, Irene Avaalaaqiaq Tiktaalaaq, Charlie Avakana, Georgina Broomfield, Lucassie Echalook (II), Noah Echalook, Peggy Ekagina, Mark Emerak, Marina Alexsandrovna Ergiro, Marjorie Esa, Davidee Eyaituq, Billy Gauthier, Agnes Nanogak Goose, Maureen Gruben, Gilbert Hay, Iola Abraham Ikkidluak, Stanislav Viktorovich Il’key, Osuitok Ipeelee, Seepee Ipellie, Samwillie Iqaluq, Damien Iqualluq, Bessie Iquginnaaq (Scottie), Galina Ivanovna Irgutegina, Elisapee Ishulutaq, Jaco Ishulutaq, David Issigaitok, Juanisi Jakusi Itukalla, Mattiusi Iyaituk, Josephine Jacque, Samantha Jacque, Lydia Jaypoody, Johnny Kakutuk, Ida Jane Kapakatoak, Victoria Mamnguqsualuk Kayuryuk, Sonya Kelliher-Combs, Janet Kigusiuq, David Kilabuk, Abraham Kingmiaqtuq, Elsie Klengenberg, Stanley Elongnak Klengenberg, Ruben Anton Komangapik, Zacharias Kunnuk, David Kuptana, Floyd Kuptana, John Kurok, Megan Kyak-Monteith, Michael Massie, Shirley Moorhouse, Peter Morgan, Idris Moss-Davies, Leo Napayok, Bill Nasogaluak, Mabel Nigiyok, Luke Nuliayok, John Ohokak, Mary K. Okheena, Maudie Rachel Okittuq, Françoise Katalik Oklaga, Elliot Olana, Jacoposie Oopakak, Sophie Pamak, Looty Pijamini, David Ruben Piqtoukun, Tim Pitsiulak, Annie Pootoogook, Itee Pootoogook, Ralph Porter, Uriash Puqiqnak, Paniluk Qamanirq, Gideon Qauqjuaq, Pitseolak Qimirpik, Jonasie Faber Quarqortoq, Levi Qumaluk, Abraham Anghik Ruben, Pitaloosie Saila, Padloo Samayualie, Chris P.  Samson, Elisha Sanguya, Elias Semigak, Aqjangajuk Shaa, Daniel Shimout, Simeonie Siakuluk, Nick Sikkuark, Joseph Suqslak, Nelson Takkiruq, Katherine Takpannie, Ningiukulu Teevee, John Terriak, Jutai Toonoo, Ruth Annaqtuusi Tulurialik, Oviloo Tunnillee, Charlie Ugyuk, Judas Ullulaq, and Natar Ungalaaq.
• An opening celebration of Inuit Sanaugangit will take place on March 31, 2023, with doors opening at 7:00pm. Program will begin at 7:30pm, featuring remarks from Dr. Stephen Borys, Darlene Coward Wight, and Jocelyn Piirainen, cash bar, music by The Kaptain, and throat singing by Goota Ashoona and Mary Ashoona. Admission is FREE.

Quotes:

“The unique shape and scale of Qaumajuq gives Inuit Sanaugangit: Art Across Time a full expanse to inhabit. The works within this show are an extensive look at the unique history and perspective of Inuit artists across time. This exhibition is the culmination of years of work and research, and we’re so thankful to the Government of Canada for their support in bringing this beautiful, enriching experience to Winnipeg and beyond.”

— Dr. Stephen Borys, Director & CEO, WAG-Qaumajuq

“This exhibition shares the incredible range of creative work by artists from across the North. Mediums represented include sculpture, drawing, clothing, printmaking, and film by Inuit (Canada), Kalaallit (Greenland), Yup’ik and Unangax/Aleutian artists (Alaska and Siberia). The exhibition includes a wide range of work, from rare artworks from Bering Strait cultures of Alaska to artworks from early Dorset periods in Canada, and over 100 contemporary artists. I am thrilled that audiences will get to experience this large-scale reflection on the diversity of work that has been and continues to be produced by Inuit. A true celebration of art by Inuit – sanaugangit.”

— Dr. Darlene Coward Wight, Curator of Inuit Art, WAG-Qaumajuq

“Inuit Sanaugangit is a massive show – and I am delighted for audiences to see works made by Inuit ancestors from across the circumpolar North. The amount of detail in many of the pieces goes to show that Inuit art is – and continues to be – exceptional.”

— Jocelyn Piirainen, Associate Curator, National Gallery of Canada

Support

WAG-Qaumajuq thanks the Government of Canada for supporting Inuit Sanaugangit: Art Across Time through the Tourism Relief Fund. This exhibition is made possible by the Appleton Initiative at WAG-Qaumajuq, supported by the Appleton Charitable Foundation.

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For more information or to arrange interviews, please contact:

Hanna Waswa
Public Relations Officer
Winnipeg Art Gallery
204.789.1295
hwaswa@wag.ca

The Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG)-Qaumajuq is a cultural advocate using art to connect, inspire, and inform. Playing a dynamic role in the community, we are a place for learning, dialogue, and enjoyment through art. Opened in March 2021, Qaumajuq connects to the WAG on all levels, celebrating the largest public collection of contemporary Inuit art in the world. The new WAG-Qaumajuq cultural campus is now one of the largest art museums in Canada. To learn more visit wag.ca.

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