Kenojuak Ashevak exhibition comprises never-before-exhibited iconic drawings

Medicine Hat – The Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre presents an exhibition of iconic Arctic art in the Heritage Gallery until October 15, 2022: Kenojuak Ashevak: Life and Legacy.

Kenojuak Ashevak: Life and Legacy is curated by Louisa Parr (Kenojuak Cultural Centre) and William Huffman (West Baffin Eskimo Cooperative). This project was the inaugural exhibition at the Kenojuak Cultural Centre in Kinngait and is the first exhibition produced in the Canadian Arctic, for circulation nationally.

This exhibition comprises never-before-exhibited drawings from the archives of the West Baffin Eskimo Cooperative, which have inspired some of Kenojuak Ashevak’s most emblematic prints in stonecut, lithography and etching.

Kenojuak Ashevak approached her work with a strong creative intuition. Her drawings would emerge almost unconsciously – a process she would describe as her hand leading her mind. Her aesthetic approach is easily noticeable, with archetypal drawings that captured images of birds, fish, bears and mystical figures. Her highly idiosyncratic imagery is perhaps one of the most recognizable of any Canadian artist and has been included on stamps, coins and, more recently, the ten-dollar banknote.

Kenojuak’s work exudes a bright vibrant energy with a touch of whimsy, all wrapped in a pure wonder for the natural world. Her work has been featured in nearly every Cape Dorset Annual Print Release since 1959. Her images have also been shown throughout Canada, the United States and abroad, and are included in numerous public and private collections.

Exhibition organizers and the Esplanade acknowledge the generous contribution of the lead supporter, the Government of Canada through the Department of Canadian Heritage. Additional support from the Government of Nunavut through its Department of Culture and Heritage has helped make this national touring exhibition and associated publication possible.

Stay up to date on all exhibitions, events and programs by following the Esplanade on Instagram and Facebook, and visit their website. Also for show tickets or to register for programs and Pay What You Will experiences, visit tixx.ca.

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For further information, please contact:

media@medicinehat.ca