Memories: An Ancient Past

 I was intrigued to hear about an exhibit at Washington D.C.'s prestigious Smithsonian Institute of the work of a Canadian sculptor. Read this CBC blurb:

Abraham Anghik Ruben has become the first Inuvialuk sculptor to get a solo show at the Smithsonian’s American Indian Museum in Washington, D.C. The carver — who works in bone, stone, ivory and bronze — says his work reflects his roots in the North and Inuit core belief systems.
“For myself, it's an exhibition that I've been waiting 40 years for. It's taken 40 years to get to this stage in my life, and I'm extremely pleased with the events and the effort that went into making this exhibit..."

One of Ruben's pieces called Memories: An Ancient Past, is a reflection on the changes of the Arctic environment, and a statement about the effects of climate change on the lives of those who live in the Far North.

The fact that this solo show is taking place in Washington is significant. The American public woke up to the grim realities of climate change in 2012. After the worst nation-side drought in more than fifty years, extreme weather events including Superstorm Sandy, and oppressive heat in many parts of the country people are witnessing the changes in their world and the effects on the economy. The percentage of those acknowledging climate change has jumped from just under 50 percent to 70 percent.

But sometimes prophets say it best, including those who are artists. The facts and figures can be bleak and overwhelm us. We need those in every sphere, including the religious communities, to find "artful" and provocative ways to call us to attention.

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