Inuit textile art has its roots firmly in traditional culture. The patience and skill in making skin clothing, combined with the inherent aesthetic found in the intricate patterning of light and dark skin inlay, translated easily into the creation of contemporary expression using different media. This is particularly true in the Kivalliq region of Nunavut, located on the west side … Read More
From Realism to Whimsy: The Drawings of Meelia Kelly
The 14 drawings in this exhibition span a brief six year period. Like her sister Sheojuk Etidloie, Kelly began drawing late in life. From her earliest works in 2001 to her death at age 66 in 2006, her drawing style evolved rapidly. Over a short time, she became more comfortable in manipulating composition, form and colour. Regardless of their date, … Read More
Ningiukulu Teevee: Designing Myths
(Digitized catalogue below) It was Mother’s day when I reached Ningeokuluk Teevee in Iqaluit for our second interview. She was visiting her mother, Kanajuk, who is living at the Elders’ home. We naturally started off talking about our children and the joys and hard work of motherhood. Women feature prominently in Ningeokuluk’s drawings, so I asked her how she sees … Read More
Barry Pottle: Awareness Series
“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
(Digitized catalogue below) 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 … Read More
Tim Pitsiulak: South Baffin Way
(Digitized catalogue below) 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 … 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
(Digitized catalogue below) 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 … Read More
A New Perspective
(Digitized catalogue below) 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 … 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