KIAWAK ASHOONA (1933 - )

Kiawak Ashoona's sculptures have been exhibited in over 75 venues, both nationally and internationally. His works reside in some of the most prestigious institutions in North America including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the National Gallery of Canada, The Montreal Museum of Fine Art, and the Art Gallery of Ontario.

Kiawak, a recipient of the Order of Canada and a National Aboriginal Achievement Award, comes from a long-standing tradition of distinguished artists. His mother Pitseolak Ashoona and three brothers, Qaqaq, Namoonai, and Kumwartok Ashoona, are all renowned sculptors. His sister Napatchie Pootoogook was honoured with a retrospective exhibition at the National Gallery of Canada in the summer of 2005. The last survivor among his siblings, Kiawak is also one of the few living artists that belong to the original generation of Inuit carvers who are to credit for introducing their art form to the world.

Kiawak became known in the early 1960s for his imaginative carvings of mythical creatures and often, demonic figures. While many have a ferocious, gargoyle like appearance, others are more whimsical. Kiawak's interpretations of and figurative subjects have become renowned for their exquisite detail and exhibit a vitality and presence that resonates. "I see myself as a different carver from others. Someone may do a carving in a day, but I must be sure I've done a good job and that I'm happy with it. I see the details in the face. They are quite easy for me. Whatever I'm making, I like to spend time on."

Within his community and beyond, Kiawak's legacy inspires the younger generation of Inuit artists to maintain their artistic heritage while continuing to move forward and explore new subjects and techniques. 

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