The Business of Inuit Art

Journey with an unbridled capitalist as he visits Inuit artists and tries to open an art gallery in Quebec. Where is the line between exposition and exploitation?

Bryce Heron, family-man from Hudson, Quebec, used to be a pilot. His side-hustle selling Inuit art started on flights to remote Northern enclaves of Canada. After a protracted end to his flying days, he and his savvy wife, Natalia, launch their own art gallery, swiftly becoming more successful than he could have imagined.

Bryce’s personality is big, and his friendly disposition and optimistic belief in his own success is only matched by his fury at being cheated, or his despair at failure. His inner torment stands in stark contrast to the placid temperament of the artists he deals with.

We visit various Inuit artists (including Manasie Akpaliapik and Derrald Taylor) along with Bryce, and also talk to his customers. As a believer in unbridled free market, Bryce often sells pieces at two or three times what he has paid for them, which begs the question, is he providing a service or is he taking unfair advantage? Is it all just business?

It’s a tumultuous and entertaining journey into the art trade, Bryce’s mind, and the beguiling world of Inuit artists.