Iqaluit: seeing the north
Iqaluit (currently on as part of the ongoing PuSh Festival) combines film, technology and sculpture to create an environment that allows the audience to walk into a part of Canada most know little of or will ever be able to visit for themselves.
The installation is free and is constructed within the atrium of the new Woodward's complex in the Downtown Eastside. The installation is set up inside a metal framed igloo, giving shoppers at the location something to look at as they pass through the atrium. The brave who wish to delve into the experience will be setup with a small infrared device that hangs around their neck and headphones to listen.
With bowed heads the audience enter the metal igloo and find seven television screens in a circle, all facing the centre of the space where a large, round ottoman is available to comfortably view the films. As you sit (I prefer to stand) in front of one of the screens you will watch segments of Iqaluit that last roughly seven minutes. Each screen plays its own film and each film can be viewed randomly because there is no continuity between them.
The setup of the igloo and the cold air coming from outside as people walk in and out of the atrium adds to the experience and for me worked almost on a subconscious level to take me to Iqaluit. Entering the igloo itself also made me feel as if I was entering a different place with the headphones adding a layer of isolation that goes well with the content in the films.
The film's creators (Berlin) use subtle techniques to convey the scarce but beautiful vistas of the arctic circle and also bring the viewer close enough to be part of the scenes where people are involved. Each of the seven segments end the same with the same image which, in addition to linking the films, cues the viewer to continue to the next screen.
The pacing reflects the atmosphere and rhythm that is Iqaluit, the place, and the way of life of the people who live there. The curious, open minded and patient will find the installation interesting. Documentary lovers who enjoy experiencing other cultures, film students who wish to learn about subtle film making and people who are interested in how our brothers and sisters in the north live will also find the experience enjoyable.
If you have questions about Iqaluit they can be answered by the artists themselves. The members of Berlin who created this exhibit will be at the Museum of Anthropology on January 25 at 7pm.
It does take a full hour to complete the entire experience, so if you have the time before meeting up with friends or want to talk about something different, check it out, then head to the Cambie and have a beer.