We were joined by artist Tarralik Duffy and curator Taqralik Partridge in conversation as they discuss the Art Gallery of Guelph’s exhibition ᐃᓅᓯᕋ | Inuusira, focusing on the influence of the work of Pitseolak Ashoona and her 1971 illustrated autobiography titled Pictures out of my life. Pitseolak created more than 8,000 drawings over her 20 year career, meticulously documenting details of everyday life in the North that would have a profound impact for both Duffy and Partridge. Inspired by the publication, Inuusira, which means “my life,” features new work by Tarralik Duffy in dialogue with Pitseolak’s prints and drawings from the gallery’s collection, capturing an evolving Inuk-inflected popular culture. Tarralik Duffy is a multidisciplinary artist and writer who lives and works between Salliq (Coral Harbour), Nunavut, and Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Spanning jewelry and apparel to graphic works, Tarralik’s creative practice highlights distinctly Inuit experiences. She has been a 2021 artist-in-residence with the Art Gallery of Guelph. In 2018, Taqralik Partridge co-curated Tunirrusiangit, meaning “‘the gifts they gave us’” at the AGO. She was selected to be part of the Sydney Biennale (Australia) in 2020 and curated Qautamaat | Every day / everyday, at the Art Gallery of Guelph, in 2020. Taqralik Partridge is currently adjunct curator at the Art Gallery of Guelph and the director of SAW Centre’s Nordic Lab, promoting collaboration and exchange between Indigenous and non-Indigenous artists.
