The Inuit Gallery of Vancouver has enjoyed the good fortune of handling the work of the indomitable Kenojuak Ashevak since the Gallery’s inception in 1979.  On an annual basis, Kenojuak’s contributions to the Cape Dorset Print Collection have always been well received.  At other times, we have been able to offer her working drawings and we are privileged, at this time, to have another selection of these original creations.

For the most part, these drawings date from the fertile period of the late 1980’s and early 1990’s.  Her favoured images of birds are present, including her resplendent owls.  Of special interest are some of her less typical works.  These include the fanciful interplay of animals, a winter traveling scene, and powerful images of women.  These are working drawings and as such, are not pristine.  The artist’s hand is clearly visible.  You can see where she has changed her mind and repositioned some elements, the hallmark of being pored over, and perhaps the occasional drop of tea, making these expressions all the more personal.

We are also delighted to present another of Kenojuak’s endeavors in stained glass entitled Sunburst Owl.  This fantastic owl, with its tail plumage is reminiscent of her iconic Enchanted Owl from 1961.  Available as a very limited edition of 12, we are delighted to offer these to our extended family of art lovers.

The work of Shuvinai Ashoona is, first and foremost, a uniquely personal expression of her view of the world around her.  One of the sensations of looking at these drawings, is that there is something a bit “off”, or perhaps disturbing in them, yet when viewed in their entirety, they are compellingly beautiful.  The viewer is drawn into them and so is not necessarily on the outside looking in but rather sharing in the artist’s personal experience.  Most of her early drawings are intensely complex works in pen, often giving the conflicting sense of being lost, yet somehow at home in the world.  In the last few years, colour has become an important part of her work and the results are quite stunning.  There is great humour in many of her drawings, as well, not all of which is readily apparent to the more casual observer.

We invite you to join with the Inuit Gallery in celebrating these two exceptional artists.