I knew when I first interviewed Arnaqu Ashevak in 1998 that he was very different from any of his fellow Kinngait artists. During the interview, he mentioned that two of his favourite artists were from Europe – Alexander Calder and M.C. Escher. He went on to say, “sometimes I look at art magazines, and get inspiration from that. Lot of … Read More
Janet Kigusiuq: Deconstructed
A distinguished artist and notable colourist, the late Janet Kigusiuq remains as one of the greatly understated artists in the contemporary Inuit art canon. This exhibition of original works traces the development of Kigusiuq’s style from early linear drawings to a gradually increased use of colour, resulting in an exquisite series of sublime abstractions. Over a career span of 30 … Read More
URSUS MARITIMUS: Polar Bears in Inuit Art
By Edd J. Guarino In Inuktitut, the language of the Inuit, the word for polar bear is nanook, or nanuq. Its Latin name is ursus maritimus. These huge animals are a fact of life in the Arctic. Their huge size and power make them very impressive creatures. The Inuit have been hunting polar bears for millennia, along with other Arctic animals. For generations, Inuit culture … Read More
The Old Ways: A Conversation Between Father and Son
Kananginak Pootoogook (1935-2010) was in the vanguard of artists who introduced the medium of printmaking to Kinngait. In addition to taking part in the early experimentation, he became a master printer and garnered an international following for his sculptures and graphic works. His youngest son, Johnny Pootogook would be the only one of his children to become an artist. Born … Read More
Themes in Inuit Art: Drum Dancing
If you follow Inuit art you are most certainly familiar with the image of the drum dancer, depicted in sculpture, prints, and drawings since the 1960s. Artists like Aqjangajuk Shaa, Abraham Anghik Ruben and Luke Anguhadluq are renowned for their renditions of the subject, often a dynamic figure bending their entire body to mimic the powerful beat of the drum. Long … Read More
Sedna: The Sea Goddess
The traditional Inuit world is a place of enchantment, filled with strange spirits and supernatural beings. Governed by the unpredictable forces of nature, the Inuit used this mythology to explain, and perhaps control, these natural forces. In traditional times the spirit world was central to their culture; today, it has provided inspiration for some of the most lyrical and compelling … Read More
Abraham Anghik Ruben talks about his show “Spirit of Life”
Feheley Fine Arts was delighted to host the opening reception for Spirit of Life, Abraham Anghik Ruben’s second solo exhibition at the gallery, presented in partnership with Kipling Gallery. The event welcomed both longtime admirers and new fans of Anghik Ruben’s work, drawn to his powerful carvings in stone and bone. These pieces reflect a profound connection to his Inuit … Read More
Abraham Anghik Ruben: Spirit of Life
In collaboration with Kipling Gallery, we are proud to present a solo exhibition by internationally acclaimed sculptor Abraham Anghik Ruben. His masterful carvings in stone and bone reflect a deep connection to his Inuit heritage, offering a moving exploration of cultural rediscovery and personal identity. This contemporary collection delves into the rich mythology of the Inuit, and the historical encounters … Read More
Shuvinai Ashoona: My Curious People
In this new body of work by Shuvinai Ashoona, the artist revisits a number of unique subjects for which her work is most admired: surrealist creatures, globes, and anthropomorphic animals, to name a few. Yet most noticeably, the human subject dominates—it’s one that Ashoona has played with throughout the majority of her 30+ year-long career. Imbued with her usual extraordinary … Read More
Six Decades of Drawing
For more than three decades, Feheley Fine Arts has presented rare, early drawings by Inuit artists, including many early Kinngait works dating from 1959-1969, drawings that continue to be sought after by collectors. The West Baffin Eskimo Co-operative still owns the lion’s share of these early drawings – some 90,000 are now housed at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection and … Read More
Michael Massie: From My Mind
Michael Massie (1962–) is an acclaimed multidisciplinary artist best known for his intricately crafted silver teapots and sculptural works. His creations often blend sharp wit with personal reflections, drawing inspiration from his Inuit, Métis, and Scottish heritage. His latest body of work marks a continuation of his refined practice. Shifting his focus from three-dimensional forms to the two-dimensional realm, Massie … Read More
Michael Massie’s Print “At Home With Kenojuak”
In September 2024, Michael Massie and I travelled to St. John’s, Newfoundland to meet with one of the printmakers at St. Michael’s Print Shop, a renowned printing studio. Michael had recently turned to creating graphic art and wished to revisit printmaking, a media he had not pursued since his student years. St. Michael’s was not only the obvious choice as … Read More