Inuit art Vancouver art auctions help to educate people on the rich cultural and historical context of Inuit artworks. They can often be found interpreting works at exhibitions and in museum collections. Their expertise is vital in promoting the work of Inuit artists and their continued engagement with their communities and international audiences.

A long tradition of carving and printmaking in Inuit culture has gained global recognition since the 1950s. It is largely attributed to James Archibald Houston, who introduced printmaking and encouraged Inuit to create sculptures in the shape of toys, dolls, cribbage boards, dice and other objects for the tourist market.

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Printmaking emerged as a viable medium in the Arctic, with community members such as Kananginak Pootoogook establishing printing cooperatives in West Baffin Island and Kinngait (Nunavut) communities. The recognizable caribou motif became a staple in the early prints, as the animal embodies many Inuit traditions and symbolizes life in the Arctic.

Over time, artists have expanded their visions to include more personal expressions in their carvings, drawings, and prints. These can range from depictions of spiritual beliefs, daily scenes of work and family life, and humorous vignettes.

The Carleton Art Collection and Perlman Teaching Museum is dedicated to promoting the works of Inuit artists through scholarly research, public programming and collaborations with a variety of partners. We have worked closely with a number of local Inuit to produce innovative exhibits and events in the region, and we continue to support their career development and success with our curated online auctions.