New 2008 Print Collections from Kinngait, Panniqtuuq and Qamanittuaq
Three 2008 print collections recently left the art studios from Nunavut and are available for purchase in the Inuit art galleries: the Kinngait 2008 Spring Print Release, the Panniqtuuq 2008 Annual Print Collection and the 2008 Qamanittuaq Print Portfolio.
Kinngait 2008 Spring Print Release
Since its first print collection released in 1956 at the Kinngait Studio, the graphic artists -drawers and printmakers- carry out there each year an annual print collections and a spring print release. The Kinngait 2008 spring release was presented to the public last week. This collection gathers together nine works made by seven talented artists : Qavavau Mannumi, Itii Putuguq, Arnaqu Ashevak, Suvinai Asuna, Jutai Tunu, Tiivi Ningiukuluk, Kinialli Siasi.
Some of the artists contribute to the Kinngait’s print collection for the first time. Each brings their own style with a contemporary iconography thus, sharing their own vision of the world. Represented topics bound to the Inuit contemporary way of life such as Christian religion, currents clothes or music.
Panniqtuuq 2008 Annual Print Collection
Thirteen prints make up this 2008 collection realized by nine artists : Abigail Uutuuva, Julli Atagujuq, Lypa Pitisulak, Gabriel Bourassa, Ilisapi Usulutaq, Jusia Maniapik, Giitalu Akulukjuk, David Amstrong and Andrew Qappik. For this print collection, the artists draw from the traditional knowledge with sensitivity linked to shamanism, myths, game and their individual experiences. Three practices has been used for this collection released : etching, stencil and relief print.
Drawers and printmakers in Panniqtuuq have been involved in printmaking since 1974, when the art studio opened. But a new era in arts and crafts management and development in Pangnirtung began in 1991 with the opening of the Uqqurmiut Centre for Arts & Crafts.
2008 Qamanittuaq Print Portfolio
The 2008 Qamanittuaq Print Release presents ten new graphics by established and emerging artists. Combining the traditional style of past collections since 1970 with an innovative and refreshing approach, this collection brings work by Daren Itkilik, Thomas Iksiraq, Tony Angualluq, William Noah, William Manirnaluk, Philippa Iksiraq, Matthew Nanauq, Myra Kukiiujaut, Jimmy Kamimmalik, Irene Avaalaaqiaq.
Despite of a fire which destroyed the print shop in 1977 and the entire print collection for the next year and the closure of the workshop in 1990 due to financial difficulties, efforts to revive printmaking in Qamanittuaq in 1996, sponsored by the Nunavut Arctic College, allowed for the release of new print collections.
To see the new print collections, visit these websites :
Kinngait : http://www.dorsetfinearts.com/specialreleases.html
Panniqtuuq : http://www.uqqurmiut.com/pangprints2008mainpage.html
Qamanittuaq : http://www.ccca.ca/inuit/english/qamanittuaq.html
