‘Many Voices’ presents portrait of Inuit life
Emily Timmerman
Editor in Chief
Currently on display in both the Sussel and Burton D. Morgan Galleries of The College of Wooster Art Museum is the “Nipriasait: Many Voices” exhibit, showcasing Inuit prints made under the collaborative effort of the Kinngait Studios in Cape Dorset, Nunavut, Canada. Working as part of, as well as in collaboration with, the 2011 Wooster Forum, the exhibit aims to artistically represent and reiterate the theme of “The Americas: Contact and Consequences.”
There are 35 total prints in the exhibit, and they collectively represent an expressive range of the print-making medium and technique. Stonecut-based images, lithograph, etching, aquatint and serigraph act as mediums through which the artists communicate a cohesive and unanimous understanding of the interactions between humans, animals and nature. Thematically, the prints strive to portray themes encompassing the natural world, town and camp life in northern Canada, traditional Inuit stories, mythic creatures and influences from the south.
Throughout their work, “Many Voices” strives to recognize the creative spirit of the individuals who have worked and continue to work closely with them, north and south of the border, to offer a distinct portrait of Inuit life and culture in the Canadian Arctic.
When asked about the intention behind bringing this exhibit to campus in conjunction with the Wooster Forum, Kitty McManus Zurko, director and curator of the College’s museum, explained, “I thought that this exhibition featuring prints from the Canadian Arctic would add balance to the idea of what exactly comprises the Americas.”
“Many Voices is the kind of exhibition that will appeal to almost any audience because the prints are just so beautiful and the subjects generally revolve around nature themes,” continued Zurko. “However, these 35 prints also provide a first-person narrative about a culture that is neither romanticized nor mediated.”
The collaborative exhibit features art from eleven artists overall: Kenojuak Ashevak, Mayoraek Ashoona, Suvinai Ashoona, Kavavaow Mannomee, Ohotaq Mikkigak, Tim Pitsiulak, Itee Pootoogook, Kananginak Pootoogook, Pitaloosie Saila and Ningeokuluk Teevee. Working with professional printmakers, these artists were able to transfer their drawings into the mediums seen in this exhibit.
This collection of prints was originally organized by Catherine Tedford, director of The Richard F. Brush Art Gallery at St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York.
Many Voices will be on display in both the Sussel and Burton D. Morgan Galleries from Oct. 25 – Dec. 11, but closed Nov. 21-28 for the College’s Thanksgiving break. The museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 10:30 a.m. -— 4:30 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. — 5 p.m. The museum is closed on Mondays. All exhibitions and museum events are free and open to the public.