Preening Owl is another in the distinguished lineage of depictions of owls by Kenojuak Ashevak; from the time of her earliest drawings and prints she revisited this subject continuously. Here, the owl is the central focus of a colourful composition which is perfectly balanced. The fantastic and imaginative stylized feathers encircle the owl, with the sides perfectly symmetrical and the crown emphasizing the wide eyes typical of the species. The printer, Arnaqu Ashevak, Kenojuak’s son and himself an artist, shows incredible sensitivity in translating the original drawing. The owl itself is defined by the precise replication of her drawing style, morphing her signature pen and ink style into an almost textural pattern of black and white. Preening Owl is the quintessential Kenojuak Ashevak image!

References: Preening Owl has been recently used by the Inuit Art Foundation for their Kenojuak Ashevak Memorial Award.