We have spoken before about Victoria Mamnguqsualuk’s life-long exploration and depiction of the legend of Kiviuq, whether it be through drawings, prints, or textiles. Her carefully designed works bring life and movement to the wanderer of the Arctic, despite the very static nature of the mediums, and this work is no exception. Presented in her almost trademarked series of vignettes, Kiviuq is repeated across the green stroud with a menagerie of shape-shifting creatures and beings. Between the battle of wills are the battles of claws, teeth, and knives, punctuated by squawking birds and roaring bears. Mamnguqsualuk’s precise stitching to clothing seams and feathers lend an almost comic book-like feel to the scene, as outlines and textures are highlighted against contrasting coloured felt. While not linear in narrative, the viewer is invited to dive into the story and pick it up at any point, and Mamnguqsualuk has ensured that there is action at every turn.

AC