“The Eskimo Identification Tag (Disc number)” was developed by the Government of Canada in the 1940/50’s as a means of identifying Inuit for census purposes. From my understanding, Inuit of the Eastern and Western Arctic traditionally had one name which created confusion for government officials, especially if Inuit were identified as having the same name as another community member. It … Read More
Jutai Toonoo: Life
Jutai Toonoo belonged to the middle generation of Inuit artists who bridged the old and new worlds of the Arctic. Born in 1959, he grew up in Cape Dorset, a witness to the transformation of this small isolated settlement to a modern community. Ever curious, he took advantage of increased communications and global awareness to reach out for knowledge. The … Read More
Tim Pitsiulak: South Baffin Way
Over the last decade, Tim Pitsiulak has become one of the most sought-after contemporary Inuit artists. Born in Kimmirut but now residing in Cape Dorset, he currently divides his time between drawing in Kinngait Studios and spending time on the land, which he refers to as ‘his office’. A skilled hunter, he provides food for his family and many of … Read More
Fifteen Years: A Snapshot of Kinngait Drawing (2000-2015)
First Generation Drawing on paper was initially introduced in Cape Dorset in the late 1950s, to produce images that could later be used for prints. However, approaching the twenty-first century, a number of elders embraced the idea of drawing as a finished art form, rather than as a step in the printmaking process. Among these artists were Kananginak Pootoogook, Kenojuak … Read More
Aoudla Pudlat: Wildlife Drawings
We are excited to present this collection of original drawings created by Cape Dorset artist Aoudla Pudlat between 1985 and 1989. These drawings portray an immense respect for the animals of his local environment, as well as a strong tie to traditional Inuit life. His works vary from realistic to fanciful. The fantastic and colourful birds in this collection are … Read More
Nicotye Samayualie: Drawings
Nicotye Samayualie is part of the younger generation of artists in Cape Dorset. In addition to being an artist and a devoted mother, she is has studied art education, and has worked in social services and military recruitment. Samayualie’s drawings reflect her life and personality, while her thoughtful details and individual graphic style demonstrate a contemporary edge. Her landscapes, although … Read More
Lucy Tasseor: I Turn to Stone
Foreword John Vincett Collecting has to be one of the more benign mental conditions. Often we are not quite sure how it starts; but we find ourselves in its powerful and magnetic grip. If a radio dial welded to the CBC can teach us about the country, then surely a pursuit of literature and other tangible forms of art can … Read More
A New Perspective
Since 2001, Feheley Fine Arts has introduced and provided continued exposure to the exciting new works by graphic artists in the drawings studio of the Cape Dorset Co-operative. Also known as the Kinngait Studios, it has nurtured and encouraged artists who are now recognized as international talents, including Annie Pootogook, Shuvinai Ashoona, Jutai Toonoo, Itee Pootoogook, Tim Pitsiulak and Ohotaq … Read More
Shuvinai Ashoona: Woven Thoughts
Shuvinai Ashoona, from Cape Dorset, Nunavut, is one of the few Inuit artists working today that has successfully managed to bridge the worlds of Inuit art with the imaginations of contemporary art lovers. Her drawings have been seen internationally in large group exhibitions, most recently in SITElines Santa Fe: Unsettled Landscapes. Shuvinai’s ability to capture the contemporary zeitgeist with delightful … Read More
Kenojuak Ashevak: A Retrospective
On January 8, 2013, Kenojuak Ashevak passed away at the age of 85. Both nationally and internationally, she remains known and respected as one of the greatest Canadian artists of the 20th and 21st century. From her first drawings, done in the late 1950’s, to those completed shortly before her death, she has dazzled audiences with her joyous and brilliant … Read More
Kenojuak Cultural Centre and Print Shop
In 2018, The Kenojuak Cultural Centre and Print Shop (KCC) officially opened in Kinngait (Cape Dorset). The 10,400 square foot facilities include a brand new studio space for artists, as well as a multi-functional gathering and exhibition space. The centre was named after renowned graphic artist Kenojuak Ashevak, and now serves as an art-making space for the current generation of … Read More
Napachie Pootoogook “True North” Exhibition
Feheley Fine Arts held the exhibition Napachie Pootoogook: True North in May 2014. The exhibition featured a fantastic selection of black ink pen drawings by Kinngait artist Napachie Pootoogook (1938–2002), completed in the mid-1990s. Napachie was the mother of artist Annie Pootoogook and her artistic influence became wonderfully evident in these particular drawings. On May 3, 2014, the gallery hosted … Read More