Presenting Inuit Life Through Their Tools and Artwork

The Kenojuak Cultural Centre’s exhibition of Inuit tools enables visitors to reflect on the ways Inuit life has both changed and remained the same over time.

An exhibition of tools and art

The Kenojuak Cultural Centre hosted an exhibition of Inuit tools. Each tool was paired with two corresponding works of art produced by local artists. The works included etchings, lithographic prints, stone cut prints and soapstone carvings. The exhibition sparked conversations among attendees on the ways that Inuit life has not only changed, but also remained constant. The exhibition moved beyond a display of tools to become a medium for discussions about contemporary Inuit identity.

Supporting an artistic debut, honouring the wisdom of Elders

The exhibition also marked the curatorial debut of Maata Jaw, the Centre’s manager. Jaw was able to familiarize herself with all the tasks involved in putting on an exhibit. She also made a point of using the exhibition to honour the knowledge of Elders, opening the exhibit with a Qulliq lighting, and inviting an Elder once per month to recount a story involving a specific tool on display.