|
Festival
of the Arts Main
Festival
at a Glance
Festival
Introduction
Festival
Events
Links
Return
to St. Lawrence Homepage
|
February 21-April 12, 2001 Richard
F. Brush Art Gallery
Inuit of the Arctic: Hunters of the Spirit
Photographs by Alison Wright
 |
Baffin Island Pangnirtung, Chima,
Jaco's
grandaughter on her swing with caribou
skin, 2000
Color photograph |
Layers of change challenge the spirit of Inuit people today. Tenacious
in their attitude toward life in such desolate and harsh conditions,
the Inuit now use tools of legislation and language rather than rifles
and dog sleds. I spent just over three weeks in Nunavut last fall, and
I feel honored to have been a witness to the creativity and demands
of daily life of the Inuit.
There are particular challenges involved as I decide how to represent
indigenous cultures. My work documenting Tibetans in exile has been
my most intimate work to date, yet was twelve years in the making. Although
I always read and study as much as I can about a place before and after
I go, I never really know how people will react until I meet them. Recently,
while photographing hill tribes in Southeast Asia, I was chased and
beaten by a few Akha in Laos, yet welcomed by Hmong living in the same
area. I later discovered that many westerners the Akha had encountered
previously were looking to smoke opium. Often the cultural insensitivities
of others can pave a difficult path before I even get there.
 |
Baffin Island, Cape Dorset, Kuvavaow Munamee,
artist demo at co-op, 2000
Color photograph |
Of course, personality plays a role in how one works. Is it my choice
to portray smiling people, or is this simply a natural response to our
interaction? I used to admire burly photographers loaded with gear,
but as a diminutive woman, I've learned the advantages of appearing
approachable and non-threatening. I use my camera as a tool for getting
to know and learn about others. In my photographs, I construct environmental
portraits of my subjects and hope to create real connections with them.
-AW
 |
Baffin Island, Pangnirtung, Inuit Woman making
tea at local feast, 2000
Color photograph |
|
