Ilippunga

Discover around a hundred sculptures drawn from our rich collection of Inuit art, which is the fourth largest in Canada. The exhibition was created in 2005 thanks to a donation from collector Raymond Brousseau and a financial contribution from Hydro-Québec.

Northern immersion

Dive into a space bathed in northern light in the heart of the Pierre Lassonde Pavilion. Inspired by the remote landscapes of the North, our scenography offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Inuit art and admire each piece from every angle. It showcases a selection of works by over 60 artists from Nunavik (Québec), Nunavut, and the Northwest Territories.

I have learned

Inuit art as we know it is a comparatively recent development when we consider the entirety of human existence. As such, it is typically contemporary. The works on display—78 large-scale pieces and 26 miniatures—were created from materials taken from the ground, such as serpentinite, soapstone, and animal parts (whale bone, caribou antler, and ivory).

The pieces attest to the artists’ keen sense of observation. Those that are more representative demonstrate their dexterity, while those that are more abstract reveal their ingenuity. The sculptures reflect their creators’ close ties with all forms of Arctic life, which inspire the greatest respect. They also express the importance of family and community. Lastly, they speak volumes about the knowledge of the land and tradition that have empowered the Inuit to survive for millennia in the rich but often unforgiving climate of the North.

The title of the exhibition, Ilippunga, means “I have learned.” This evokes the role of oral tradition and expresses the importance the peoples of the Canadian Arctic place on their relationship with nature, animals, and the members of their community.
 

Seven themes

The exhibition themes were developed by guest curator Heather Igloliorte, a professor at Concordia University. They are inspired by the Inuit concept Qaujimajatuqangit, which encompasses knowledge of the environment and the ecosystem, social values, language, essential survival skills, cosmology, and a worldview specific to the culture of Canada’s Far North. The concept echoes throughout the artists’ work. The curator also met with Inuit representatives to illustrate this value system by offering them the opportunity to express their views.