Emerging Urban Inuk Artist Saelym Degrandpre Makes Waves at Montreal’s Ripples Symposium
Graphic Design & Interactive Media student Saelym Degrandpre recently celebrated her first-ever exhibition at ᕿᓐᓂᕋᔮᑦᑐᖅ Qinnirajaattuq / Ripples: Making Waves in Inuit Art Symposium.
The Ottawa-based Urban Inuk artist had a total of six pieces on display at the event, which took place at Montreal’s La Guilde gallery and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts from November 6-8.
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Degrandpre, whose work blends traditional Inuit art with contemporary design through digital and tactile mediums, described attending the Ripples symposium a “fantastic and unforgettable” experience.
“From captivating cultural performances like throat-singing and Inuit drum dancing to spoken word, to the unveiling of remarkable Inuit art and culture at two prominent galleries…it was truly mind-blowing!” said the aspiring graphic designer, who hopes to bring Inuit and indigenous culture to the forefront of modern art and design.
“As an Urban Inuk, I don’t always have my community physically with me, so it was powerful to connect with so many Inuit artists working in diverse mediums like film, runway fashion, visual arts, and literature. I left the event feeling more connected, inspired, and proud of our shared artistry.”
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While Degrandpre has collaborated with many notable organizations – including the National Gallery of Canada, Canada’s History Society, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc., and the Inuit Art Foundation – in the past, she nevertheless called having her work shown publicly for the first time in La Guilde’s Amisut Exhibition “a dream come true.”
“Walking into the gallery and seeing my pieces on display was surreal – it was my first-ever exhibition,” she said.
“Seeing collectors and other artists admire my work, and having the opportunity to speak about it, felt both empowering and affirming…When I shared that it was my first exhibition, the pride and support I received from the audience were overwhelming.”
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As part of her participation in the symposium, Degrandpre was also invited to speak on a panel of Emerging Inuit Artists , which highlighted the voices and perspectives of some of the early career artists featured in the exhibition at La Guilde, Amisut.
The conversation was moderated by the exhibition’s curator, Ooleepeeka Eegeesiak, and included Degrandpre’s fellow artists Milak Kristen Semigak-Justason, Malaya Kisa-Knickelbein, and Cassidy-Ann Netser.
“We discussed the journey of becoming an artist, managing the pressures of ongoing projects, and our goals for the future,” Degradpre said.
“It was an inspiring and insightful experience that highlighted our shared challenges and triumphs as Inuit artists.”
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Degrandpre’s work delves deeply into her Inuk identity, featuring diverse mediums like sewing, antler carving, sealskin designs, digital graphics, and illustrations. Exploring myths and legends – particularly the story of Sedna – her art is rooted in themes of femininity, womanhood, and the rich storytelling traditions of Inuit culture.
“As my artistic style and body of work continue to evolve, I draw inspiration from oral history, storytelling, and Tunniit (traditional tattoos),” she said. “These traditions connect me to my heritage and help me explore my identity as an artist.”
Learn more about Degrandpre and her art via her Instagram and Facebook pages.
