Description
The son of Inuit sculptor Morris Alorut, Adam represents a younger group of urban Inuit artists. Despite his young age, Alorut has been carving for years. He began polishing stone for his father, eventually growing to produce his own artwork. New materials and tools accessible to the artist allow for his departure from the conventional. Though still influenced by traditional themes and materials, his generation is no longer confined - nor defined - by them. Alorut emphasizes detail in his work; individually defined fish scales, long eyelashes and even incised locks of hair render his sculptures unique, and provide an example of the growth and development in contemporary Inuit art. Alorut is also recognized for his choice in subject matter. Mythical dragons and demonic-like figures are strict departures from the norm, pointing to acculturation and the growing influence of the South in younger generations. A common subject in Alorut’s work is the concept of good and evil. Inuit mythology, such as the figure of Sedna, the goddess of the sea, is seen at the top of this sculpture. In 2007, one of Adam Alorut’s sculptures Shaman Transformation was acquired by the Canada Council Art Bank, and in 2011, the National Gallery of Canada purchased one of his major sculptures for their permanent collection. Born in 1979 in Iqaluit (Nunavut), Adam Alorut is currently based in Ottawa.