South Baffin Explorer: Art, Culture and Wildlife

Showcasing the work of Inuit artists in South Baffin communities alongside McMichael Collection guest curator Dr. Nancy Campbell

Eegevudluk Pootoogook (1931-1999) inking printstone at the West Baffin Eskimo Co-operative printshop, 1968. Photo: Norman Hallendy (born 1932). Courtesy The Ilagiit Collection: Early Images of Cape Dorset Artists, 1968. Gift of Norman E. Hallendy, 2007. McMichael Canadian Art Collection Archives.

by Jocelyn Pointkoski and Nicola Slater

Visit Canada’s most inspiring Inuit art destination on an expedition cruise. Join curators and renowned artists on the South Baffin Explorer to experience art, wildlife and culture in small guided groups onboard the RCGS Resolute, from July 30 to August 9, 2019.

This unique itinerary, developed by the McMichael Canadian Art Collection and expedition cruise specialist One Ocean Expeditions, celebrates the importance of Inuit art through a voyage to the South Baffin region of Nunavut. This trip to South Baffin Island was developed to support the work of Inuit artists of this region and to celebrate the launch of the Iniga Ilagiit virtual museum website, which will launch by the fall of 2019. Dr. Nancy Campbell, guest curator at the McMichael and writer on Inuit art, will join the onboard team to offer insights into the Inuit art world for guests onboard.

Since the establishment of numerous Inuit art co-operatives in the region the mid-1980s, it has been important to preserve and promote the beautiful and distinctive sculptures and artworks created by Inuit on Baffin Island. Many of these artworks are inspired by the environment in which Inuit live and work. Iniga Ilagiit has been created to continue this connection and ensure Inuit art can be enjoyed for generations to come.

What you can experience:

The South Baffin Explorer offers a chance to view the spectacular land and seascapes of the Canadian Arctic. Travel the waterways and stop along South Baffin Island to learn about culture, art and wildlife in the region. Take the time to visit the Kenojuak Cultural Centre, which showcases the talents of the Inuit art communities, whose rich output is a major focus of this unique and highly engaging trip. Canadian artist David McEown, whose paintings of the polar regions can be found in collections worldwide, will join you onboard as Artist in Residence, using watercolour to express the Arctic landscape.

About Iniga Ilagiit:

Inuit artists from Kinngait (Cape Dorset) have created thousands of drawings. Over 100,000 are held at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection on behalf of the West Baffin Eskimo Co-operative. Almost 4,000 of these works, as well as 250 photographs, will be available digitally through an interactive website called Iniga Ilagiit, meaning “a place for family.” Here, you will be able to browse virtual exhibitions and create your own to share.

Iniga Ilagiit is a space for Inuit and Northern communities to connect with their own art practices and traditions, and contribute to the important work of sharing Kinngait history and culture.

About One Ocean Expeditions:

Travellers will benefit from the expertise and insight of local experts, who offer a comprehensive engagement with the region. Other world-renowned artists, photographers and experts in leading positions from museums, galleries, research stations and universities will join in leading excursions and activities for small interest-groups that are tailored to each traveller, giving the most personal experience possible.

Across all destinations, with sustainable travel always in mind, One Ocean Expeditions helps to protect the sensitive ecosystems and communities visited. One Ocean Expeditions continues to pursue increased education in ocean literacy and the preservation of ocean health for generations to come.