The Way of Inuit Art: Aesthetics and History in and Beyond the Arctic

Inuit art, both ancient and contemporary, has inspired the interest of scholars, collectors and art lovers around the globe. This book examines Inuit art from prehistory to the present with special attention to methodology and aesthetics, exploring the ways in which it has been influenced by and has influenced non-Inuit artists and scholars. Part One gives the history of the main art-producing prehistoric traditions in the North American arctic, concentrating on the Dorset who once flourished in the Canadian region. It also demonstrates the influence of theories such as evolutionism, diffusionism, ethnographic comparison, and shamanism on the interpretation of prehistoric Inuit art. Part Two demonstrates the influence of such popular theories as nationalism, primitivism, modernism, and postmodernism on the aesthetics and representation of twentieth-century Canadian Inuit art. This discussion is supported by interviews conducted with Inuit artists. A final chapter shows the presence of Inuit art in the mainstream multi-cultural environment, with a discussion of its influence on Canadian artist Nicola Wojewoda. The work also presents various Inuit artists' reactions to Wojewoda's work.

Table of Contents:
Table of Contents Acknowledgments      Preface      Introduction      PART 1. Arctic Traditions The Traditional Way of Life      “Primitive” Patterns I (Primitive and Paleolithic)      The Arctic Small Tool Tradition (ASTt)      Post-Arctic Small Tool Tradition in Alaska      2. Shamanistic Traditions Shamanism      The Supernatural Basis of Shamanistic Power      The Shaman’s Initiation      “Primitive” Patterns II (Shamanism and Art)      3. Dorset and Thule Traditions in Canada “Primitive” Patterns III (Style and Culture)      The Dorset      The Thule      PART 4. Historic Inuit New Traditions of Inuit Carving      New Traditions of Inuit Printmaking      Market and Educational Expansions      5. Western Aesthetics and Inuit The Western Categorical Context      “Primitive” Patterns IV (“Low” Art)      Inuit Art in the Modernist Context      Inuit Art in the Postmodernist Context      “Primitive” Patterns V (Primitivist Art)      6. Interviews with Inuit Artists The Interviews      Female Inuit Carvers from Arviat (Eskimo Point) and Kangiqsliniq (Rankin Inlet)      Male Inuit Carvers from Arviat, Kangiqsliniq and Qamani’tuaq (Baker Lake)      Female and Male Inuit Printmakers from Qamani’tuaq      7. Art by Nicola Wojewoda and Inuit Artists’ Responses to Nicola Wojewoda      Drawings and Paintings      Alternative Media      Sculpture      Conclusion      Notes      Bibliography      Index     

About the Author :
Emily E. Auger (Ph.D.) is a retired art historian and author of numerous reviews, articles, and books. Founder and chair of the “Tarot and Other Divination Methods” area at the Popular Culture Association/American Culture Association (2004–2020), she lives in rural southwestern Ontario.

Review :
“comprehensive, well-written...a welcome addition to any collection...highly recommended”—Choice; “Emily Auger...does a great service...extensively researched volume...copious endnotes”—Catholic Library World.