Well-known Inuk artist Kenojuak Ashevak created a most unique style and became world famous for her prints.
CAPE DORSET, NUNAVUT—World-renowned Inuk artist Kenojuak Ashevak died on January 8, 2013 at her home in Cape Dorset, Nunavut, at age 85.
Ashevak is considered a pioneer of Inuit art. Her drawings, prints and sculptures have been bought and displayed around the world. Her work was featured on several Canada Post stamps over the years, including her most famous print,Enchanted Owl.
Ashevak was born in 1927 in a camp on Baffin Island and lived the traditional nomadic life on the land before settling in Cape Dorset.
Okpik Pitseolak, an artist from Cape Dorset who knew Ashevak personally, said she brought Inuit art to the world but was “very humble about her work.” Pitseolak said that when she appeared on the radio to talk about her art, she didn’t want to come across “as someone who brags” about it. But she was “thankful for the fact that she was given this gift.” Ashevak died after a long battle with cancer.
