ᖃᓪᓗᓈᖅᑕᐃᑦ ᓯᑯᓯᓛᕐᒥᑦ Printed Textiles from Kinngait Studios

ᖃᓪᓗᓈᖅᑕᐃᑦ ᓯᑯᓯᓛᕐᒥᑦ Printed Textiles from  Kinngait Studios presents the little-known story of a group of Inuit artists and printmakers who produced a collection of graphic textiles in Kinngait, (Cape Dorset, Nunavut) in the 1950s and 60s – a period of social change that disrupted traditional language and relationships to the land.

Made for interior décor during a period when artist-designed textiles were popular in North America and Europe, these mid-century designs depict legends, stories, and traditional ways of life. They provide vital points of connection between contemporary Inuit community members and the creativity and resourcefulness of previous generations.

Take a deeper look at Printed Textiles from Kinngait Studios and go on an audio tour with Education Coordinator Yahn Nemirovsky on the Textile Museum of Canada App.

Type: Exhibition

Date: Dec 7, 2019 - Jan 29, 2022

ᖃᓪᓗᓈᖅᑕᐃᑦ ᓯᑯᓯᓛᕐᒥᑦ Printed Textiles from Kinngait Studios traces the evolution and impact of this textile initiative on Inuit graphic arts and explores its legacy through the work of Inuit fashion designers working today: Martha Kyak of InukChic; Nooks Lindell of Hinaani Design; and Tarralik Duffy of Ugly Fish.

Featured artists and printmakers: Anna Kingwatsiak (1911–1971), Anirnik Oshuitoq (1902–1983), Eegyvudluk Pootoogook (1931–2000), Innukjuakju Pudlat (1913–1972), Ishuhungito Pootoogook (1939–), Iyola Kingwatsiak (1933–2000), Kananginak Pootoogook (1935–2010), Kenojuak Ashevak (1927-2013), Lukta Qiatsuk (1928–2004), Lucy Qinnuayak (1915–1982), Mary Samuellie Pudlat (1923–2001), Osuitok Ipeelee (1922–2005), Ovilu Tunnillie (1949 – 2014), Parr (1893–1969), Paunichea (1920–1968), Pitseolak Ashoona (1904–1983), Pudlo Pudlat (1916–1992), Sharni Pootoogook (Sharnee) (1922–2003), Sheouak Petaulassie (1923–1961), Sorosilutu Ashoona (1941–), Ulayu Pingwartok (1904–1978).

The Textile Museum of Canada has developed a digital interactive app to deepen the content of the exhibition Printed Textiles from Kinngait Studios. This app was available on tablets in the Museum gallery and can now be accessed through this link https://tmc-exhibition-pwa.netlify.app/.

The app allows visitors to hear directly from the Inuit community through audio or video interviews with contemporary artists from Kinngait Studios and Inuk fashion designers Tarralik Duffy, Martha Kyak, and Nooks Lindell. The app also features artwork by West Baffin Eskimo Cooperative artists and short films by Inuit filmmakers. The interviews with the Inuk fashion designers were supported by a grant from the TD Friends of the Environment.

View additional content including a virtual video tour of the exhibition, the catalogue launch, and more on this YouTube playlist:

We would like to thank the many individuals in the North and the South who worked with us to shape this project. Your generosity and willingness to share stories, memories and experiences will build an unprecedented legacy for generations to come.

CURATORIAL LEAD Roxane Shaughnessy | PROJECT PARTNER: West Baffin Eskimo Cooperative

PRESENTING SPONSOR: BMO Financial Group | This project has been made possible in part by the Government of Canada. | SUPPORTERS: Department of Canadian Heritage; Ontario Arts Council; Toronto Arts Council; Canada Council for the Arts; Government of Ontario | PROJECT ADVISORS: West Baffin Eskimo Cooperative Arts Committee and Dr. Heather Igloliorte |FUNDERS: The Schreibers; William R. and Shirley Beatty Charitable Foundation; Sharpe Indigenous Charitable Trust.

Access virtual tours of our exhibitions with the Textile Museum of Canada App, available for download on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store or as a web app on your browser.

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