KLEINBURG, Ontario, Aug. 28, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On September 2, 2017, the McMichael Canadian Art Collection will present Annie Pootoogook: Cutting Ice—the first major exhibition on the life and work of this renowned Inuk artist since her untimely death in 2016. An exclusive Media Day at the McMichael will follow on September 6, from 1 to 4 pm.

Pootoogook, who received the prestigious Sobey Art Award in 2006, is widely known for the skill and colourful detail with which she captured candid scenes of everyday life in Cape Dorset, Nunavut. Taking both the exceptional and the mundane as her subjects, Pootoogook's drawings intrigue in their openness, wit and sincerity, all the while challenging the mainstream perception of what Inuit art should and could be. 

"Annie Pootoogook's work cracked the glass ceiling for Inuit art and its place in contemporary Canadian art history," said Dr. Nancy Campbell, Exhibition Curator. "There is much to celebrate when looking at the potential and possibility for a new conversation that includes Inuit art in new ways in Canada and the world." 

Annie Pootoogook: Cutting Ice will provide a thought-provoking overview of the legacy and influence of this artist, whose originality and contemporaneity left an indelible mark on the art world.

Curated by Campbell, a distinguished Inuit art scholar, this exhibition will feature over 50 of Annie Pootoogook's drawings made between 2001 and 2010, as well as works by her Cape Dorset contemporaries: Shuvinai Ashoona, Siassie Kenneally, Itee Pootoogook, Jutai Toonoo and Ohotaq Mikkigak.

Shedding light on issues of reconciliation and recovery in the North, and drawing on the unique history of Inuit artmaking and the Cooperative system, this special retrospective honours an artist whose tragic passing on September 19, 2016, left behind a legacy that continues to spark discussion about Inuit art and how it is interpreted across Canada and the world.

One third of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection’s permanent collection is comprised of works by Indigenous artists. Recent acquisitions by the McMichael demonstrate a continued and concerted effort in the support and purchase of works by Indigenous artists and female artists. 

"Since 2014, the McMichael has acquired 176 works of art by Indigenous female artists to build upon the gallery's earlier historical collection," said Ian Dejardin, Executive Director of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection. "Last quarter, the gallery purchased four works by Annie Pootoogook to complement a gift of twelve of her works the gallery graciously received,” added Dejardin. 

This exhibition runs until February 11, 2018.

To arrange interviews, request images and RSVP to the Annie Pootoogook: Cutting Ice Media Day (September 6, 2017), contact Simona Panetta at 905-893-1121 ext. 2210 / spanetta-kerr@mcmichael.com.

The McMichael has received support from Exhibition Sponsor, Waddington’s; 150th Anniversary Partners, Assante Wealth Management and Assante Group of Seven Wealth Advisors, Miller Thomson and the McMichael Volunteer Committee, as well as from Media Partners, Globe and Mail, Jazz.FM91, and Media Sponsor, NOW.