The Peary-MacMillan Arctic Museum and Arctic Studies Center recently received a notable collection of contemporary Canadian Inuit Art. Rabbi Harry Z. Sky, a resident of Maine and a Rabbi at the Temple Beth El in Portland, donated the collection to share his interest in Inuit Art with the Bowdoin community.
When Rabbi Sky contacted Director of the Arctic Museum and Arctic Studies Center Susan Kaplan and expressed his interest in donating the collection, the staff of the Arctic Museum were impressed with its quality and composition.
"The collection expands our offerings of contemporary Canadian Inuit art, expanding exhibit theme possibilities, and providing students new works and a tightly theme-focused collection to study," said Kaplan.
Produced by Inuit artists across the Canadian Artic, the collection includes 36 sculptures and two prints.
In general, the collection can be described as an artistic compilation of representations and metaphors of the transformations humans undergo. Transformation is a major focus of Inuit artists.
According to Kaplan, "Figures may appear as half human/half animal because they are in the act of transforming shape...a mammal might have the face of a bird."
"There are also objects that are simply beautiful or joyful, such as the largest sculpture of a young man doing a hand stand," she added.
Although the collection is not yet on display, it is available to Bowdoin students for study.
Non-Bowdoin students may see the collection upon request.