Artist Info
Koomwartok Ashoona
Koomwartok Ashoona (Disc Number E7-1102)
1930 – 1984
The works in the University of Lethbridge Art Collection by Koomwartok Ashoona of Kinngait include “Bird Spirit”; “Owl & Seal”; “Sea Dog”; and “Spirit”. This sample of his carvings provides a taste of the broader subject matter and themes often present in Ashoona’s sculptures. Stories, imagery, expression, and the shape of figures are all visible elements of focus. Of his art, Koomwartok stated in a show catalog from The Inuit Gallery of Vancouver in 1983: “When I do carvings, I carve what I remember in the past. Also, I go by the shape of the stone. I started around 1950. We were living at Igalalik. Kiakshuk was there at the time. We would get the stone in winter because it was best to get it by dog team”. His works have been in many exhibitions including at the Inuit Gallery of Vancouver, the WAG, and the National Gallery of Canada and can be found in these institution’s permanent collections as well. Koomwartok passed away in 1984.
Interesting Fact: Pierre Trudeau presented Margaret Thatcher with a carving by Koomwartok Ashoona.
Mother: Pitseolak Ashoona
Brothers: Qaqaq (Kaka) Ashoona, Kiawak Ashoona
Sister: Napachie Pootoogook
Spouse: Mary Koomwartok Ashoona
Sons: Salamonie Ashoona, Ashoona Ashoona
