Artist Info
Victoria Kayuryuk Mamnguqsualuk
Victoria Kayuryuk Mamnguqsualuk was a respected graphic and textile artist from Qamani’tuaq (Baker Lake), NU. Born in 1930 near Garry Lake to acclaimed artist Jessie Oonark, Mamnguqsualuk lived nomadically for much of her life. During this time, she lived with her grandparents and learned to sew by watching her grandmother make caribou clothing, and by sewing slippers and the sleeves of parkas. After a period of near starvation in the early 1960s, Mamnguqsualuk relocated to Qamani’tuaq with her family and began working with the Sanavik (formerly Baker Lake) Co-operative.
At the co-op, Mamnguqsualuk experimented with drawing and sculpture, depicting Inuit mythology and legends. Mamnguqsualuk is best-known, however, for her wall hangings but also wanted to expand her artistic pursuits, actively learning new styles or techniques. Already an established artist, Mamnguqsualuk graduated from a drawing and printmaking program at Nunavut Arctic College in 1997. Mamnguqsualuk was also likely influenced by her mother and siblings, many of whom became artists as well, including Janet Kigusiuq Uqayuittuq (graphic art and textiles), Josiah Nuilalik (sculpture), Miriam Qiyuq (wall hangings and sculpture), Peggy Qablunaaq Aittauq (sculpture), and William Noah (stencil and watercolour). Mamnguqsualuk’s husband, Samson Kayuryuk, is also a sculptor and graphic artist. Mamnguqsualuk had nine children, five of whom survived to adulthood. Her son, Paul Aglakuaq Kayuryuk, is also an artist.
In 1970, eight of Mamnguqsualuk’s prints were part of the first Baker Lake Print Collection, and continued to be featured over the course of her life. Her works have been exhibited internationally.
