Description
Centuries-old Inuit customs of guiding travellers inspired the artist to create this cairn, a directional marker. The assemblage of stones recalls the artist’s childhood experience of wandering amongst tall city buildings. The leading stone represents a sentinel, its voice shining as it calls out. Symbolizing triumph over the feeling of alienation in the urban environment, this gathering site provides a place of respite and contemplation.
Born near Paulatuk, Northwest Territories, artist David Ruben Piqtoukun grew up in Edmonton, Alberta. At age 22, he began stone carving and re-established his connection to Inuit culture by collecting traditional stories and ways of living from family and community elders.
The largest boulder in this assemblage, which is built with sandstone from Kingston, Ontario, is 5.8 metres tall and weighs 27,000 kilograms.
West Courtyard