Exhibit: Enjoying Summer In The Unique Arctic Cool!

Toronto Inuit Art Exhibition + Museum Review

Heya! Over the weekend I enjoyed the sunshine at Toronto's waterfront and visited the Museum of Inuit Art (MIA) for the very first time, located in the historic Queen's Quay Terminal Building. I have walked by the small museum for years and always enjoyed the Inuit sculptures peeking out through the windows, but finally decided to pay the $5 admission price and go in. And I was not disappointed.

Since 2007, this charming museum is the only museum south of the Arctic, devoted exclusively to the display of all types of Inuit art from across Canada.  MIA is quite small: it only has 4 small galleries and a few corridors that display the amazing art pieces. But what it lacks in space, MIA makes up in charm and unique and original art.

Memories: An Ancient Past, 2010 by Abraham Anghik Ruben

Bear Attacking Hunters, 1975 by Matthew Aqigaaq

Singing Shaman About Flying Spirit Helpers, 2009 by Mattijus Manukuluk Iyaituk

Seagoddist, 2009 by Bart Hanna

I loved the friendliness of the staff, ready and willing to answer all questions. There is also a free guide book (can be purchased to take home in the gift shop), that I took with me through the museum and returned to the front desk at the end of my visit. The interior of the galleries is stark white, reminding me of snowy winter days. The labels for all art pieces not only displays the usual information, like title and artist name, but also has a symbol describing what style expression the piece falls into: Realism, Expressionist, Minimalist, Abstract, and Grotesque. My style expression and most of the pieces I liked, tended to be Abstract and Grotesque style expressions, which was confirmed by the short 5 questionnaire 'What Style Expression Are You' I filled out at the end of my visit.

Fire Spirits Rising, 2008 by David Ruben Piqtoukun

Migration, 2013 by David Hanna Kappianiq

Moon Spirit Mask, 2008 by Toonoo Sharky

The museum reminded me of the Magnetic North exhibit I visited a few months ago, but contained so much more. The major exhibition running is The Matchbox Gallery: A Retrospective that consists of ceramics and drawings from the only active ceramics-producing studio in the North. The Matchbox Gallery is located Kangiqliniq (Rankin Inlet) in Nunavut. I really enjoyed this exhibit; it has some very unique and interesting pieces, as did the whole museum. My only complaint is that it is too small! I want to see more!! It took less than an hour to peruse the museum and gift shop, which contained Inuit art pieces for sale that would make excellent and original gifts! I definitely recommend a trip to the MIA for anyone who would like to see interesting and unique Canadian art.

Matchbox: A Retrospective: Man Holding Bird by John Kurok and Leo Napayok

Matchbox: A Retrospective: Crouching Bear by Jack Nuviyak and Leo Napayok

Matchbox: A Retrospective: Polar Bear Cubs by Jack Nuviyak and Leo Napayok

Matchbox: A Retrospective: Three Birds by John Kurok and Leo Napayok

Matchbox: A Retrospective: Going North by Jim Shirley

And after the museum, enjoy Toronto on The Water, a photo exhibit on display throughout the Queens Quay terminal. Over 100 rare and archival images that trace Toronto's waterfront history are suspended from the ceiling of the building. MIA is open daily from 10am to 6pm and The Matchbox Gallery: A Retrospective is running until August 31, 2014 and Toronto on The Water is on display until September 1, 2014. Please visit Museum of Inuit Art and Queen's Quay Terminal for more information.

Toronto On The Water Photo Exhibit, Queen's Quay Terminal Building

Toronto On The Water Photo Exhibit, Queen's Quay Terminal Building

And P.s!: With a minimum of $1 donation to the MIA I received a t-shirt. There are also many tours, classes, and kids programs offered throughout each month, make sure to check out their website for more information. And included in my admission price to the MIA, is a 2 for 1 admission to the Design Exchange, Gardiner Museum, and The Bata Shoe Museum within 7 days! What a great deal!

P.s,

Melanie