Kananginak’s drawings, informed by his close observation and love of Arctic wildlife, showcase his mastery as a draughtsman. Here, the owl is depicted in an alert, natural pose, with wings slightly spread and head turned as if scanning its surroundings. Meticulous ink line work captures the intricate feather patterns, while subtle coloured pencil shading adds texture and depth. Soft hues of blue and sherbet pink-orange introduce dimensionality, while vibrant yellow in the eye and small hints of colour in the beak and talons add contrast.

References: For a recounting of an artistic career from Kananginak himself and those around him, see Ingo Hessel, Kananginak Pootoogook: Celebrating Five Decades of Artistic Achievement, (Toronto: Museum of Inuit Art, 2010). A further artist interview can be found in Ingo Hessel, Arctic Spirit: Inuit Art from the Albrecht Collection at the Heard Museum, (Phoenix, AZ: Heard Museum/Vancouver: Douglas & McIntyre, 2006), p. 107. Further reading on the artist’s career can be found in Leslie Boyd, Kananginak Pootoogook: Drawings and Prints from Kinngait, (Portland, OR: Pomegranate, 2023). For a beautiful print by the artist showing a frontal view of a similar owl see Jean Blodgett, Grasp Tight the Old Ways: Selections from the Klamer Family Collection of Inuit Art, (Toronto: Art Gallery of Ontario, 1983), cat. 44, p. 90.