Spectacular Ravens

Artist Kenojuak Ashevak (Inuit, 1927-2013)

Date2003

Mediumstone cut print

Dimensionssheet: 25 × 32 in. (63.5 × 81.3 cm)
mat: 30 × 40 in. (76.2 × 101.6 cm)

Credit LineGift of Jayne Clement

Label TextKenojuak Ashevak (ken-OH-jew-ack ASH-uh-vac) is perhaps one of the most well-known Inuit artists and was a pioneering force in modern Inuit art. Ashevak grew up in a semi-nomadic hunting family and while she had been making art in various forms as a child, it was not until the 1950s that she began creating prints. In 1964, Ashevak was the subject of the Oscar-nominated documentary, Eskimo* Artist: Kenojuak, which brought her and her artwork to Canada’s—and the world’s—attention. Ashevak was also one of the most successful members of the Kinngait Co-operative, also known as the West Baffin Eskimo Co-operative, established in 1959 by James Houston, a Canadian artist and arts administrator, and Kananginak Pootoogook (ka-nang-uh-nak poo-to-guk), an Inuit artist. The purpose of the co-operative is the same as when it was founded—to raise awareness of Inuit art and ensure indigenous artists are compensated appropriately for their work in the Canadian (and global) art market. Kenojuak Ashevak's signature style typically featured a single animal on a white background. Inspired by the local flora and fauna of the Arctic, Ashevak used bold colors to create dynamic, abstracted, and stylized images that are devoid of setting or fine details. Despite the harsh environment, the Arctic has an abundance of wildlife—especially birds which captured the imagination and creativity of Ashevak throughout her career (she made over 100 different images of owls alone). The raven is a common sight in the Arctic as it is one of the few species of birds that dwells there year-round and its large black body makes it easy to spot against the stark white winter landscape. It is perhaps this ubiquitous nature that has made the raven prevalent in Inuit cultures and folklore. Although the folklore and stories vary across the vast Arctic communities, many see the raven as extremely intelligent, duplicitous, and impish creatures that can be both helpful and dangerous, and as creators, sly tricksters, and possessors of knowledge, among other things. Ashevak explained that her art did not attempt to portray realistic images of animals or the Arctic landscape, but rather she wanted to convey her emotions, values, personal connection to nature, and her indigenous culture. Her work is an exploration of line, form, and color and serves as a mode of sharing, interpreting, and honoring her Inuit heritage with the world. *Today, by and large, the term Eskimo is no longer the preferred nomenclature for the Inuit and Yup’ik people.

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