Qaumajuq, the Inuit art centre at the Winnipeg Art Gallery. (photo by Lindsay Reid)
Qaumajuq – the Winnipeg Art Gallery's new Inuit art centre – has launched a digital platform that enables people around the world to see and learn about Inuit art.
The visible vault, a three-story glass storage and display space inside Qaumajuq, which houses the largest public collection of Inuit art in the world, is now accessible online. More than a virtual tour of the work on display at Qaumajuq, the visible vault digital platform is interactive, incorporating video, audio and images of 150 pieces of art from the 1950s to today.
When you enter the site there's a map of Inuit Nunungat, the Inuit homeland of Canada. By clicking on one of six regions on the map, you can read about the area and click through to see regional art. All information is available in English, French and Inuktitut.
By clicking on a piece, you can find videos with academics, elders and community members – like this one where writer Michael Kusugak tells a story with a string game. The videos integrate Inuit Qaujimajatuangit – Inuit traditional knowledge, technology and societal values. The platform's project manager, Maxine Anguk, worked with Inuit filmmakers, photographers, elders and youth to include as many voices as possible.
“The digital platform allows access to audiences across the country and internationally, breaking down barriers and connecting people and art even from afar, which has become even more meaningful since the pandemic,” says Stephen Borys, director of the Winnipeg Art Gallery.
The platform features pieces by artists like John Tiktak, Davidialuk Alasua Amittu, Oviloo Tunnillie, John Pangnark, Lucy Tutsweetok Tasseor, Judas Ullulaq, John Kavik and Abraham Anghik Ruben.
Source: Winnipeg Art Gallery