Archetypes in Stone
A new display of Inuit art at the Canadian Museum of Civilization
Gatineau, Quebec, April 21, 2004 - A new display of Inuit sculptures entitled Archetypes in Stone is now on at the Canadian Museum of Civilization. Twenty-two exquisite stone carvings - created in the 1950s in Salluit, Quebec - have been selected from the large and unique collection of the Canadian Museum of Civilization.
All of the sculptures portray Inuit people in traditional life. Though the environment and lifestyle depicted may be unfamiliar to most museum visitors, the sculptures represent relationships and roles that exist in all human societies, past and present. These timeless universal roles or archetypes include: The Hero, The Beautiful Woman, The Warrior, The Nurturer, The Hunter, The Provider, The Family and others.
Each of the sculptures is displayed alongside an archival photograph illustrating a person from another time and another society in a similar role. This small but compelling exhibition aims to spark a sense of connection between art and viewer. Museum visitors will not only enjoy the beauty of the sculptures, they will be touched by how these silent but evocative figures in stone reflect the roles each of us play in our lives.
"Art has the power to communicate and connect," said Maria von Finckenstein, Curator of Inuit Art at the Canadian Museum of Civilization, "and I hope that this small exhibition will create a link for visitors and bring out a sense of our shared humanity."
The Canadian Museum of Civilization's collection of Inuit art was assembled over nearly a century. It is rich in historic and ethnographic material and unique in its quality, range and size.
The Inuit art collection contains approximately 10,000 pieces, about half of which are prints, one quarter sculptures and another quarter, various textile and craft works.
Archetypes in Stone is currently on display in the Northern Salon, on Level 1 of the Canadian Museum of Civilization. It will remain on display at least until the end of 2006.
Media Information:
Chief, Media Relations
Canadian Museum of Civilization
Tel.: (819) 776-7167
Media Relations Officer
Canadian Museum of Civilization
Tel.: (819) 776-7169
Fax: (819) 776-7187
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