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Artist: Kenojuak Ashevak, CC, RCA (1927-2013)
Settlement: Cape Dorset / Kinngait
Respected and prolific, Kenojuak Ashevak is one of Canada's most famous artists. Ashevak's work encompasses over 50 years of art including sculpture, thousands of drawings, and approximately 200 prints.
Born on south Baffin Island in 1927 at a camp area known as Ikirisaq, Kenojuak grew up traveling from camp to camp on south Baffin and in Arctic Quebec (Nunavik) During that time period Kenojuak learned hunting skills and sewing arts needed for survival as an adult. As a young woman, she was married to Johnniebo and lived with him in various camps including Keakto, a scenic area seven miles from Cape Dorset. While still living at Keakto in the late 1950's, both Kenojuak and Johnniebo first experimented with carving and drawing. They moved to Cape Dorset in 1966 in order for their children to attend school, and continued to work closely together until Johnniebo's death.
Kenojuak's subject matter includes landscapes, scenes from traditional Inuit life, and animals - most familiar of which are her stylized birds. All are illuminated with her joyful colour play and detailed decorative style.