Yesterday I attended the opening of Qillaniq at the National Gallery of Canada.
Qillaniq — an Inuktitut word describing how light from the sun or moon shimmers brightly when reflecting on water — is the world’s largest Indigenous circumpolar art exhibition presented at the gallery.
Beautifully curated by an all-Indigenous team from across the circumpolar world, the exhibition brings together a wide range of powerful contemporary and historical works that explore identity, land, climate, community, and storytelling.
The opening evening featured speeches from the curatorial team along with a short performance by Silla, which added an immersive and atmospheric touch to the celebration.
Walking through the exhibition, there was a strong sense of connection between the artists and the northern landscapes represented in the works.
From sculpture and textiles to photography, painting, and multimedia installations, Qillaniq highlights the diversity and strength of Indigenous circumpolar cultures while creating an important dialogue about resilience, tradition, and the future.
A thoughtful and visually stunning exhibition that is well worth experiencing.
Qillaniq runs until September 20, 2026.
Check out the gallery.
Qillaniq @ National Gallery of Canada
