of Qamani'tuaq (Baker Lake)

Josiah Nuilaalik (1928 - 2005), the son of the renowned Qamani’tuaq artist Jessie Oonark (1906 - 1985) and husband to the talented textile and graphic artist Ruth Qaulluaryuk, produced an exceptional body of work that diverges from the typical sculptural style seen in Baker Lake.

Contrary to the often rough-hewn figurative works Baker Lake is known for, Nuilaalik's fantastical depictions of transforming shamans and animal spirits take on the fluid forms of imagery much more often seen in the two-dimensional artwork of the region, such as in the drawings of Myra Kukiiyaut or Simon Tookooome. Manifesting three-dimensional, yet ever-changing forms in stone and antler, Nuilaalik’s sculptures embody dream-like visions, formed from the depths of the artist’s imagination.

Featured in Nuilaalik’s artist spotlight are seven distinct works in stone, antler, and ivory, ranging in scale from a pair of small whales that fit in the palm of the hand, to a Spirit Bird standing at 10 inches.