Inuit culture is circumpolar, spanning the arctic regions of Russia, the United States, Canada, and Greenland. Excavated Inuit artifacts have been dated to as far back as 2,500 B.C.E. While it can be argued that there is not a continuous thread between the Inuit people and the art produced today joining back to the art of 4,500 years ago, there are certain commonalities in style and materials that create a link.
Traditionally, the Inuit have been nomadic and sometimes migratory people. Waves of migration across the circumpolar regions created distinct cultures and styles that have been studied by anthropologists and archaeologists. While we recognize the beauty and the cultural significance of historic art and artifacts, our primary interest at Home & Away Gallery is to support living Inuit artists from Canada.
Contemporary Canadian Inuit art consists primarily of sculptures and prints. The majority of work we carry in these media comes from Cape Dorset, on Baffin Island. However, we are sometimes drawn to the primitive nature of Baker Lake or Rankin Inlet artists, as well as the whimsical/bizarre art from Gjoa Haven. Wall hangings, primarily from Baker Lake, also grace our walls.
Bears are among the most popular themes among Inuit artists and collectors, but human figures and representations of activities such as hunting and cooking add an important view into Inuit life. We occasionally indulge in items such as stone airplanes, violins, or screwdrivers, for collectors who appreciate whimsy in their art.
Browse our Inuit art pages or select an artist from the list in the right column.
Peruse our Inuit art reading list here.
Visit the following pages for more information about Inuit art: