Playing Favourites: Lianne M., April 8, 2012

Lianne M., a MIA volunteer, with “Walrus Pack Doll” (mid 2000s) by an unidentified artist, Taloyoak (Spence Bay), cloth, embroidery thread, fur, hide, duffel, MIA Collection

Where are you from?

Mississauga, Ontario.

What brings you to MIA? Is this your first visit?

I’m a volunteer at the museum.

Why is this your favourite piece in the collection?

I think it’s unique, and it just brings a smile to my face. Who doesn’t love an animal in a parka?

Posted by: Brittany Holliss, MIA’s Visitor Services Officer

Playing Favourites: Judy C., December 28, 2012

Judy C., a MIA visitor, with “Raven and Sedna” (2009) by Abraham Ruben (1951-), Paulatak, NWT, stone, Sprott/MIA Collection

Where are you from?

Boston, Massachusetts.

What brings you to MIA? Is this your first visit?

I’m interested in Aboriginal art.

Why is this your favourite piece in the collection?

I like Abraham Ruben’s “Sedna and Raven” because of it’s fluidity. I just want to embrace it! I also loved the spiritual/human sides of the piece and the mother putting her trust into the Shaman.

Posted by: Brittany Holliss, MIA’s Visitor Services Officer

Playing Favourites: Phyllis, December 20, 2012

Phyllis, a MIA visitor, with “Birds” (c. 1970s) by George Tataniq (1910-1991), Qamani’tuaq (Baker Lake), stone, MIA Collection

Where are you from?

Beijing, China.

What brings you to MIA? Is this your first visit?

I’m a recent immigrant and want to understand the culture here, including the history of Aboriginal culture.

Why is this your favourite piece in the collection?

I really like all of the birds here, it is difficult to say only one is my favourite.

Posted by: Brittany Holliss, MIA’s Visitor Services Officer

Playing Favourites: Marveh F., and Timan K., December 10, 2012

Marveh F., and Timan K., MIA visitors, with “Inuksuk” (2011) by Adam Noah Alorut, Saniarjak (Hall Beach), stone, MIA Collection.

Where are you from?

Iran.

What brings you to MIA? Is this your first visit?

Yes it is our first visit. We came out of curiosity. We were going through suggestions made on Lonely Planet and our friends who are living in Toronto as well as a general map by the info centre Downtown.

Why is this your favourite piece in the collection?

We like how differing and distinct cultures are similar concept of the Inuksuit. Water, different utilitarian items that are hidden, fuel and directional information are communicated via stone, configurations in the desert parts of Iran. This was very interesting for me and great to see in Inuit art.

Posted by: Brittany Holliss, MIA’s Visitor Services Officer

Playing Favourites:Emuvie V., December 3, 2012

Emuvie V., a MIA visitor with “Mask” (2008) by Dolfus Cadieux (1956- ), Yellow Knife, N.W.T., stone, Private Collection.

 

Where are you from?

The Philippines.

What brings you to MIA? Is this your first visit?

I’m an artist – part of the Philippine media. This is a visit for coverage and it is my first time.

Why is this your favourite piece in the collection?

I liked the material (alabaster), the lines in the material and the hair and the face itself. The whole piece is very rich and captivating.

Posted by: Brittany Holliss, MIA’s Visitor Services Officer

Playing Favourites: Roselynn A., November 21, 2012

Roselynn A., a MIA visitor, with “Winter Scene With Dog Sleds and Igloos” by Emily Pangnerk Illuitok (1443-), Kugaaruk (Pelly Bay), stone, ivory, leather, hide, sinew, MIA Collection.

Where are you from?

Pangnirtung, NU

What brings you to MIA? Is this your first visit?

I’ve been here a few times before and I wanted to show my cousin the place.

Why is this your favourite piece in the collection?

It’s well made, I like the details.

Posted by: Brittany Holliss, MIA’s Visitor Services Officer

Playing Favourites: Kristin J., November 13, 2012

Kristin J., a MIA visitor, with “The Enchanted Owl” (1960) by Kenojuak Ashevak, CC, RCA (b. 1927), Kinngait (Cape Dorset), colour proof trial, MIA Collection.

 

Where are you from?

Germany

What brings you to MIA? Is this your first visit?

Curiosity.

Why is this your favourite piece in the collection?

It smiles at me.

Posted by: Lindsay Bontoft, MIA’s Volunteer Coordinator