Kenojuak Ashevak, TWO BIRDS, 1975, Stone, 7 x 13 x 3 1/2 in.

Kenojuak Ashevak and Joanassie Igiu lived together in Cape Dorset from 1978 until Joanassie’s death in 1981. This exhibition features sculpture created by both of these artists during this brief time.

Born in 1927, Kenojuak Ashevak lived on the land until the mid-1960’s when she and her late husband Johnniebo settled permanently with their family in Cape Dorset. She began drawing in the 1950’s, and her first print appeared in the 1959 annual print collection from Cape Dorset. Since that time, she has achieved international recognition as one of this country’s foremost graphic artists. Her activities as a sculptor are less recognized, despite the fact that throughout her remarkable career she has frequently used carving as a means of artistic expression.

While Kenojuak Ashevak’s carving activities are not well-known, Joanassie Igiu’s talent as a sculptor was widely recognized by the late 1970’s. Four years older than Kenojuak, and himself a widower, he had also spent his early life in the traditional way before settling in Cape Dorset. During the time that he and Kenojuak lived together, they remained in the settlement, working closely together on their sculpture.

Despite an apparent similarity which resulted from their close collaboration, the individual styles of both artists are evident in this group of works. Kenojuak’s carvings are solid and compact, with little use of inter-carving and surface projections. Her favoured subject matter is birds – birds with wings raised and heads lowered, birds with open beaks and heads turned. Almost all have been revealed by the artist in natural positions and, even when caught in motion, their simplified outline suggests an enduring and peaceful quality.

In contrast to this, Igiu’s sculptures are more diverse in both subject matter and style. His bears, wolves, fish and spirits are all caught in motion and have a dynamic quality characteristic of this notable sculptor. The inter-carving and rhythmic surface projections of these carvings provide a strong visual contrast to the smooth silhouettes of Kenojuak’s works. The intricate shape of a spirit emphasizes the agitated movement of the sculpture; the raised paw of a bear contrasts with the backward lunge of the animal and truly agitated motion of the raised wings and widespread feet of a running bird.

These two styles complement each other in a wonderful way. The serene sculpture of Kenojuak emphasizes the dynamic quality of Igiu’s animals and spirits. This is an exhibition of works of art created during a distinct point in time. It offers a rare opportunity to view the sculptures of one of the most well-known Inuit graphic artists within the context of her close association with another fine Cape Dorset sculptor who deserves greater recognition. And it is a celebration of the sculpture of two very talented artists.

To view available artworks by Kenojuak Ashevak, click here.