KENOJUAK ASHEVAK, C.C., R.C.A. (1927-2013) KINNGAIT (CAPE DORSET)

This 2009 etching and aquatint by the celebrated Kenojuak Ashevak is a richly coloured homage to the mystique and grandeur of the owl. In this print, the owl is central, with a halo of radiant feathers extending outward in a kaleidoscopic array of colours, suggesting the bird's inherent nobility. The gradients achieved through the etching and aquatint medium lend the work a softness and depth that would be unattainable through other printmaking techniques. The gradual transition of hues from the warm centre to the cooler edges of the feathers creates a visual symphony, celebrating the creature's divine aura.

The print's dimensions, a substantial 31.5 x 41 inches for the sheet, allow the viewer to be enveloped by the work's grand scale, mirroring the grandiosity of its title and subject.

The title Grand Dame is profoundly fitting, as it references not only the noble subject within the artwork but also parallels Kenojuak's own revered status as the "grand dame" of Inuit art. This clever interplay enriches the print with layers of meaning, offering a nuanced reflection on both the owl's dignity and Kenojuak's influential role in the art community.