This is piece “Spirits” by Karoo Ashevak is part of the MIA’s new Adopt an Object fundraising initiative.
During this round of fundraising, this is the last piece to be featured as part of the MIA’s new ‘Adopt an Object’ program. In our past blogs we’ve highlighted a featured item from our Permanent Collection that staff have chosen to represent some of the unique pieces we display in the museum. For more information on the program itself and what it means to be a donor, you can check out our past blog post.
Today, we’re highlighting a staff favourite – Karoo Ashevak’s “Spirits”
Artist: Karoo Ashevak (1940 – 1974)
Location: Talurjuak (Taloyoak/Spence Bay), Nunavut
Date: c. 1972 – 1974
Medium: Bone, stone, baleen
Dimensions (H x W x D): 15” x 8” x 5”
Collection: Sprott/MIA Collection
Significance: Karoo Ashevak, a master artist, revolutionized sculpting in the Kitikmeot Region through his innovative use of whalebone, inlay and transformative figures; Spirits showcases all of these notable elements. This piece also holds a special place in the museum’s institutional history, having been selected as the official avatar for all official publication streams. Something that might not be evident at first glance is the fact that the back of this piece is also sculpted. Adopt this staff favourite and you’ll have the opportunity to see a whole new side to this piece!
Adoption Rate: $1,000
To adopt this piece, contact our curator Alysa at aprocida [at] miamuseum [dot] ca.
– Posted by Brittany Holliss, MIA’s Visitor Services Officer
Museum of Inuit Art Blog 