Nunavut artist's work to be displayed in House of Commons foyer

#Nunavut; #BartHanna; #HouseofCommons; #Ottawa; #Sedna, #seagoddess; #Inuitmythology; #tympanum; #DominionSculptor

Ottawa, Apr 9 (Canadian-Media): A new sculpture by Nunavut artist Bart Hanna will soon be on display in the House of Commons foyer, media reports said.








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Bart Hanna. Image credit: Twitter handle of Inuit Art

The newly unveiled sculpture by Bart Hanna joins a series of pieces commissioned as part of the Indigenous Peoples Sculpture Program, which showcases renowned Indigenous artists. https://t.co/WXZWbw90Yf pic.twitter.com/V5FV29yCJN

— House of Commons (@OurCommons) April 12, 2019

It was commissioned as part of Canada 150 celebrations, and unveiled in Ottawa on Monday to mark the 20th anniversary of Nunavut as a territory.

The sculpture was unveiled on April 8, 2019, and it will be displayed in West Block until it can permanently take up residence in the House of Commons Foyer following the restoration of Centre Block.

The sculpture depicts Sedna, a sea goddess and an important figure in Inuit mythology.

"She is a marine being that has been seen throughout the arctic waters, as my grandfather said one time many years ago," said the Igloolik-based Hanna, in a statement.

"Most stories of Sedna seem to suggest that she is benevolent; however, I have occasionally encountered comments that suggest this is not always the case."

The 65 centimetre by 84 centimetre sculpture is a tympanum, typically used to decorate a semi-circular or triangular space above a door or window.

Hanna was selected by a jury to create the piece. The jury included other artists, the House of Commons' curator, and the Dominion Sculptor, who oversees the carving program on Parliament Hill.  
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Sedna is one of the most important and powerful figures in Inuit mythology. She watches over her sea-creature children and protects them from the harsh elements of the Arctic.