Artist Info
Kananginak Pootoogook
Kananginak Pootoogook was a prominent multi-disciplinary artist from Kinngait (Cape Dorset), NU. Pootoogook was born at Ikirisaq camp to leader (Josephie) Pootoogook, and (Sarah) Ningeokuluk and the family lived a nomadic lifestyle. In 1957, Pootoogook married Shooyoo and they lived at Ikirisaq until 1958 when they relocated to Kinngait because of Pootoogook’s father’s failing health.
After moving to Kinngait, Pootoogook became an instrumental figure in the formation of the Kinngait Co-operative (formerly the West Baffin Eskimo Co-operative), and was one of the four original printmakers taught by James Houston, including Iyola Kingwatsiak, Lukta Qiatsuk, and Eegyvudluk Pootoogook. He believed printmaking and the graphic arts program in Kinngait provided opportunities for Inuit to create and establish new economic opportunities. His first print was a collaborative work with his father and was included in the first collection of Kinngait prints in 1959. Pootoogook worked in a variety of media including drawing, printmaking, lithography, sculpture, and copperplate engraving, and often depicted Arctic wildlife, especially birds, as well as images of Inuit culture.
In 1978, four of his images were included in a limited-edition portfolio for the World Wildlife Commission and, in 1980, Pootoogook was elected to the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts. In 1997, Pootoogook was commissioned by the Governor General of Canada Romeo Leblanc to construct an Inukshuk to be shipped to Ottawa for display on the grounds of Rideau Hall, as part of a tribute to Indigenous people in Canada. In 2010, Pootoogook was the recipient of a National Aboriginal Achievement Award. His works have been exhibited around the world. In May 2017 he was featured in the 57th Venice Biennale, making Pootoogook the first Inuit artist to have his work included in the exhibition. Most recently, his work has been featured at the ULAG 2017 show ᐃᓄᐃᑦ.
