Conceived by Edmund Carpenter, cinematographer and specialist in Canadian and Siberian Arctic anthropology, this exhibit offers the visitor a novel experience: the discovery, for the first time in Europe, of the totality of Eskimo arts. It invites one to take a voyage around the entire icecap, from Siberia to Alaska, where the civilizations (Evenk, Dorset, Kushkokwin, etc.) are just so many points of reference. Doug Wheeler, an American artist who was a pioneer in the “Light and Space” movement created the Exhibit’s setting. Jean de Gastines’ signature scenography incorporates the Gallery’s curves, which were designed by Jean Nouvel, as a course that runs through white landscapes, with no orthogonality, from the North Pole.
The curator and artistic director opted to not offer any commentary for visitors during the course of the Upside Down – Arctic exhibit. A brochure will be supplied, for free. It contains a map that looks like it was created with freehand drawings and which summarizes one’s trajectory inside of the exhibit’s Arctic space. This mini-guide will act as the guide for to carrying out this adventure throughout this ice-covered land…
As one leaves the exhibit, they will see a single sign that will show a list of loaners, as well as credits for those who created the production. Any needed information will be supplied by the catalogue, which can be consulted upon exiting the exhibit, at a point separate from the bookstore, in the Garden Gallery.
Where ? Musée Quai Branly – Temporary exhibition in the Garden Gallery
When ? Now and until January 11, 2009