January 20, 2011
Inuit Prints: Japanese Inspiration
Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on January 2011 Japan’s influence reaches a long way—as far, it turns out, as the small Inuit community of Cape Dorset in the Canadian Arctic. Half a century ago, government worker James Houston introduced Japanese printmaking to the locals as a potential source of income. Since then, the Inuits have used […]
By Metropolis
Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on January 2011
Polar Bear and Cub in Ice, Niviasi, 1959, ©Dorset Fine Arts, Canadian Museum of Civilization. Photo: © CMCC, M-L. Deruaz
Japan’s influence reaches a long way—as far, it turns out, as the small Inuit community of Cape Dorset in the Canadian Arctic. Half a century ago, government worker James Houston introduced Japanese printmaking to the locals as a potential source of income. Since then, the Inuits have used the technique to express their creativity and document their history, winning international plaudits and commercial success in the process. Inuit Prints: Japanese Inspiration presents artists such as the recently deceased Kananginak Pootoogook, as well as prints by Japanese artists like Shiko Munakata who were brought to Cape Dorset to inspire them.
Embassy of Canada Prince Takamado Gallery
Inuit Prints: Japanese Inspiration. Prints. Until Mar 15. 7-3-38 Akasaka, Minato-ku. Tel: 03-5412-6305. Open Mon-Tue & Thu-Fri 9am-5:30pm, Wed 9am-8pm, closed Sat-Sun. Nearest stn: Aoyama-Itchome. www.canadainternational.gc.ca/japan-japon
