Koomuatuk Curley

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Koomuatuk Curley

B. 1984
Kinngait, Nunavut

Koomuatuk (Kuzy) Curley is a sculptor, director and videographer from Kinngait, NU. Curley learned to carve from his grandparents during the summers he spent as a child at their outpost camp near Kinngait and began to carve professionally while in junior high school, becoming the third generation carver of his family. In 2014 Curley directed his film "Kiawak Ashoona" and has exhibited his work across Canada including being featured in iNuit Blanche in 2016, St. John’s, NL. Curley has written for and appeared in the "Inuit Art Quarterly" as well as many other publications.

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Andy Miki

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Andy Miki

Andy Miki

1918 - 1983

Arviat

Andy Miki's stylized minimal carvings of wildlife are internationally recognized as leading works that helped establish the regional aesthetic of Arviat. Miki, alongside other Arviat artists such as John Pangnark and Lucy Tasseor have influenced the following generations of carvers and made significant and lasting contributions to Canadian Art.

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Andrew Palongayak

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Andrew Palongayak

B. 1946
Gjoa Haven

Andrew Palongayak is a stone and mixed-media sculptor from Gjoa Haven, Nunavut Territory. His wife, Ann Palongayak, and her brother, Ralph Porter, are also artists. Andy carves both animal and human figures, frequently depicting shamans and associated spirits. His carving evokes a sense of considerable strength and solidity.

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Markoosie Papigatok

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Markoosie Papigatok

B: 1976
Puvirnituq, QC

Markoosie Papigatok is a well recognized carver based in Kinngait, Nunavut. Papigatok was born in Puvirnituq Nunavuk, Quebec. He learned carving by observing those around him, including his grandfather, Qavaroak Tunnillie, and uncle, Ashevak Tunnillie.

Papigatok’s sculptures have been included in exhibitions throughout Europe, Canada, and the United States. His work is continuously featured in the Canadian Art Gallery in Basel, Switzerland, and can be found in the public collections of the Musee d’art Inuit Brousseau in Quebec City, QC, and the Canada Council Art Bank in Ottawa, ON, among others.

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Nuna Parr

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Nuna Parr

Nuna was born near Cape Dorset and lived with his adoptive parents the graphic artists Parr and Eleeshushe. The family moved to Cape Dorset in 1960, after Parr was injured in an accident, and the young Nuna started carving while he was still in school. His interest in hunting and his regard for the animal life of the Arctic are directly reflected in his work. His rounded forms have great movement and a natural flow with the grain of the stone, as if both were made for each other. He has been carving for forty years, and his work continues to be shown nationally and internationally.

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Timothy Pee

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Timothy Pee

Timothy (Tim) Pee has been creating art since he was 15 years old and learned to carve from his family members, which include artists Kananginak Pootoogook, Johnny Pootoogook, and Ashevak Adla. His subject matter of choice to carve is the polar bear. These sculptures have gained Pee significant recognition in recent years and have helped establish him as one of the most skilled carvers on Baffin Island.

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Palaya Qiatsuq

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Palaya Qiatsuq

B. 1965
Cape Dorset

Palaya learned how to carve the traditional way - by watching his father. He carved his first two pieces at the age of 12, a bird and a bear. For the past 20 years Palaya has been carving and keeping traditioal stories alive through his work. Stories of transformation and shmanism from his childhood are among Palaya's favourite themes. 

Although Palaya views himself as an artist above all else, he is also a "traditionalist with a mission." 

"I also see my mission as edicating and teaching others about my culture. Any opportunity I have to travel and give demonstrations and workshops helps contribute to others' apreciation of our art forms." - Palaya Qiatsuq

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