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Artworks
JESSIE OONARK, O.C., R.C.A (1906-1985) QAMANI'TUAQ (BAKER LAKE)
Muskox, c. 1967pencil crayon over ballpoint pen, and felt tip pen[?] drawing, 12.25 x 14.5 in (31.1 x 36.8 cm), framed, sight
signed, "ᐅᓇ".
Oonark's journey as a draftsman began in the late 1950s, but a pivotal chapter in her artistic career unfolded in 1966 when Boris Kotelewetz arrived in Baker Lake to work...Oonark's journey as a draftsman began in the late 1950s, but a pivotal chapter in her artistic career unfolded in 1966 when Boris Kotelewetz arrived in Baker Lake to work with Gabriel Gély on the printmaking program. Kotelewetz bought her drawings and provided Oonark with a small, dedicated space in the craft shop. In this more tranquil setting, Oonark's art flourished across various media, enabling her to delve into different subjects and materials.
In this striking depiction of a charging muskox, Oonark captures the dynamic spirit typical of her graphic work from this period. Using ink and pencil crayon, she both outlines and animates the creature, infusing it with extraordinary vitality. Isolated and devoid of any unnecessary context, the muskox becomes a centerpiece of pure expression. Its outstretched limbs and combined aerial-frontal perspective give it an endearing, naïve (perhaps even goofy?) charm, transforming the image into not just a depiction of the muskox, but a celebration of its inherent vigor.Provenance
With Isaacs Innuit Gallery, their label, verso, inventory no. D407, as "c. 1965" and "drawing; Black ink, red & yellow marker";
Collection of John and Joyce Price, Seattle.Exhibitions
Jessie Oonark: A Retrospective, travelling exh., Winnipeg, MB, Winnipeg Art Gallery, 16 Nov 1986 - 17 Feb 1987; Windsor, ON, Art Gallery of Windsor, 12 April - 17 May 1987; Toronto, ON, Art Gallery of Ontario, 27 June - 6 Sept 1987; Yellowknife, NWT, Price of Wales Norther Heritage Centre, 25 Sept - 6 Nov 1987; Edmonton, AB, The Edmonton Art Gallery, 28 Nov 1987 - 17 Jan 1988; Confederation Centre of the Arts, Charlottetown, PEI, 15 Feb - 20 March 1988, cat. no. 32.Publications
Jean Blodgett and Marie Bouchard, Jessie Oonark: A Retrospective, (Winnipeg: Winnipeg Art Gallery, 1986), cast. no. 32, p. 109, reproduced p. 108, as “Untitled, c. 1969,” “felt-tip pen,” and as collection of “The Innuit Gallery of Eskimo Art, Toronto.”
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