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Inuit – Impressions of the Canadian Far North

Shuvinai Ashoona, Handstand, 2010, stone engraving and stencil on paper, Kinngait (Cape Dorset), Nunavut
Shuvinai Ashoona, Handstand, 2010, stone engraving and stencil on paper, Kinngait (Cape Dorset), Nunavut

Inuit Graphic Art at the Art & History Museum

From 16 October 2026, the Museum of Art & History in Brussels presents a major exhibition dedicated to Inuit art from Nunavut and Nunavik, two emblematic regions of the Canadian Arctic.

Featuring nearly 250 works - sculpture and graphic artworks - the exhibition offers a sensitive immersion into the Inuit world, exploring traditions, Arctic fauna, shamanism, and contemporary concerns such as climate change.

Detailed presentation

The exhibition focuses on contemporary artistic production from Nunavut and Nunavik. Nunavut lies to the west and north of Hudson Bay, while Nunavik is located on the eastern shore of this vast inland sea.

In Europe, Inuit sculpture is relatively well known. Graphic art - such as prints, engravings, and drawings - remains less widely represented, despite being highly valued in Canada. A notable example is a work by artist Kenojuak Ashevak, featured on the Canadian 10-dollar bill.

After more than 70 years of artistic production in these regions, the exhibition offers a unique opportunity to discover artists distinguished by a powerful visual language, rich imagination, and strong expressive force.

A major cultural project

The exhibition builds on previous major projects at the museum, including exhibitions devoted to Japanese prints and contemporary Aboriginal art.

Visitors will encounter works distinguished by their expressive power, vibrant use of colour, and material diversity. The scenography recreates Arctic environments, further enhancing the immersive experience.

In addition, the museum offers an extensive public programme, including workshops, lectures, film screenings, meetings with specialists, and a variety of cultural events.

Shuvinai Ashoona, Handstand, 2010

Shuvinai Ashoona, Handstand, 2010, stone engraving and stencil on paper, Kinngait (Cape Dorset), Nunavut

Shuvinai Ashoona, Handstand, 2010, stone engraving and stencil on paper, Kinngait (Cape Dorset), Nunavut

Jessie Oonark, A Shaman’s Helping Spirits, 1971

Jessie Oonark, A Shaman’s Helping Spirits, 1971, stone engraving and stencil on paper, Baker Lake (Nunavut)

Jessie Oonark, A Shaman’s Helping Spirits, 1971, stone engraving and stencil on paper, Baker Lake (Nunavut)

Kananginak Pootoogook, Aravialuk, 2003

Kananginak Pootoogook, Aravialuk, 2003, lithography

Kananginak Pootoogook, Aravialuk, 2003, lithography

Kenojuak Ashevak, Decorative Char, 2004

Kenojuak Ashevak, Decorative Char, 2004, stone engraving and stencil

Kenojuak Ashevak, Decorative Char, 2004, stone engraving and stencil

Lucy Quinnuayuak, Telling Tales of the Owl, 1983

Lucy Quinnuayuak, Telling Tales of the Owl, 1983, stone engraving on paper, Cape Dorset (Kinngait), Nunavut

Lucy Quinnuayuak, Telling Tales of the Owl, 1983, stone engraving on paper, Cape Dorset (Kinngait), Nunavut

Ningiukulu Teevee, No Turning Back, 2021

Ningiukulu Teevee, No Turning Back, 2021, stone engraving and stencil on paper, Kinngait (Cape Dorset), Nunavut

Ningiukulu Teevee, No Turning Back, 2021, stone engraving and stencil on paper, Kinngait (Cape Dorset), Nunavut