By David Klassen
An artist’s rendering of the Winnipeg Art Gallery’s future Inuit Art Centre. (HANDOUT)
WINNIPEG — Indigenous art and culture can now be seen at Portage Place Shopping Centre.
As part of a joint initiative between the Winnipeg Art Gallery and Downtown Winnipeg BIZ, four Inuit sculptures have been placed inside the downtown shopping mall.
Called the Indigenous Artwalk, artwork is placed in storefront windows along Portage Avenue, Graham Avenue, Garry Street, and Donald Street.
The project launched in May with 12 artists in 12 locations, with artwork on display for three months, from May until August.
“As we work to build the Inuit Art Centre, the WAG is raising awareness of the North and taking great strides to expand Indigenous programs at the Gallery and beyond,” said Dr. Stephen Borys, WAG director and CEO.
“That’s why we’re so proud to participate in the Indigenous Artwalk.”
The four sculptures at Portage Place come from artists out of three northern communities. Family scenes are depicted by both Lucy Tasseor Tutsweetok from Arviat, and Simon Kasudluak from Inukjuak. Presented alongside are sculptures of an elegant hawk and the sea spirit Taleelayuk by Cape Dorset artists Osuitok Ipeelee and Aqjangajuk Shaa. All works are from the WAG’s permanent collection.
Two guided tours of the Artwalk are scheduled on August 3 and 10 from 12-1:30 p.m.
