Using conceptual sculpture to bring social change

Jesse Tungilik will discuss his artistic practice of creating conceptual art to draw attention to and explore contemporary issues that face Inuit in Canada. The social and political realities of the Inuit have changed dramatically in recent decades. Colonization, assimilation, forced relocation and forced transition from a semi-nomadic subsistence-hunting way of life to a sedentary wage-based existence in less than a century has helped to sow sociopolitical chaos in Inuit society.

Drawing on his experiences developing policies and legislation in government as an arts administrator, and reconciling his memories of his late father who was an outspoken residential school survivor, as well as his own struggles with his cultural identity, Tungilik has created conceptual sculptures aimed at challenging preconceived notions of Inuit art and the prevailing notions of Inuit in contemporary Canada.

About Indigenous Futures Cluster Presents

Indigenous Futures Cluster Presents is the public event arm of the Indigenous Futures Cluster (IFC) at the Milieux Institute for Arts, Culture and Technology. The IFC explores how Indigenous people are imagining the future of their families and communities through a research-creation approach. The IFC is interested in narratives, frameworks and technologies that help articulate a continuum between our histories, our present, and the seventh generation and beyond.

Territorial acknowledgement

Concordia University is located on unceded Indigenous lands. The Kanien’kehá:ka Nation is recognized as the custodians of the lands and waters on which we gather today. Tiohtià:ke/Montreal is historically known as a gathering place for many First Nations. Today, it is home to a diverse population of Indigenous and other peoples. We respect the continued connections with the past, present and future in our ongoing relationships with Indigenous and other peoples within the Montreal community.

Directions

Concordia’s Engineering, Computer Science and Visual Arts Integrated Complex (EV Building) is located directly above Guy-Concordia metro station on the green line. Exit the station following signs for Concordia University and take the escalators or elevator to the ground level. The easiest way to access EV-6.735 is to take the elevators closest to the McKay St. entrance to the sixth floor. The room number is EV-6.735.