Coastal Birds

CAPE DORSET COLLECTION 1997

Stonecut Print
Printer: Kavavaow Mannomee
Paper: Kizuki Kozo Natural
64 x 64cm

Kananginak Pootoogook (1935-2010)

Kananginak had been involved with drawing and printmaking since the late 1950’s when the West Baffin Eskimo Co-op first initiated the graphic arts program at Cape Dorset. Kananginak’s first print, a collaborative image with his father, Pootoogook, was included in the first catalogued collection of Cape Dorset prints in 1959.  His work has been included in all but three annual collections since that time.

From the beginning Kananginak had represented Arctic wildlife in his work.  He was especially capable at drawing the many species of birds, which frequent the Arctic.  In the 2000's he focused on the material culture of the Inuit, producing realistic, narrative drawings of camp and hunting scenes.  His work has been produced in several print media – copper engravings, stonecuts, stencils, lithographs and etchings.  Kananginak was an accomplished printmaker himself; in the early years he often proofed and editioned his work.

Kananginak was a prominent and involved community leader.  He was instrumental in the formation of the West Baffin Eskimo Co-operative and served for many years as President of its Board of Directors. He was also a member of the Royal Canadian Academy.