Kananginak Pootoogook

Cape Dorset, Nunavut

1935 - 2010

Kananginak had been involved with drawing and printmaking since the late 1950’s. Arctic wildlife was strongly represented in his work and he was especially known for his detailed drawings of the many species of birds native to the area. In the 2000's his focus shifted to the material culture of the Inuit and realistic narratives of camp and hunting scenes became the subjects of his drawings.

Notable commissions include the 1978 World Wildlife release of a limited edition portfolio of works in which four of Kananginak’s images were included and the 1997 commission by the Governor General of Canada for an Inukshut on display at Rideau Hall in Ottawa.