This remarkable amautiq was created by Ooloosie Ashevak, daughter-in-law of Kenojuak and Johnniebo Ashevak. The imagery adorning it — drawn from Kenojuak’s prints, including Audacious Owl (1993, #16), Rabbit Eating Seaweed (1959, #8), and a detail of a woman’s hooded face from a 1970s or 1980s print [1] — represents the only artistic homage produced with Kenojuak’s permission.

The work was commissioned by John Price, a close friend of the artist. Kenojuak had gathered a large collection of beads, though by then beadwork had become too difficult for her hands. Ooloosie agreed to make the parka using Kenojuak’s beads, incorporating a central panel that featured images by her mother-in-law.

The amautiq follows the traditional form, with its long tail and baby-carrying pouch at the back, and a densely beaded front panel. As seen in examples offered in our past auctions, such garments were often adorned with exquisite embroidery or beadwork. Here, the fineness of the sewing, the density of the beads, and the subtle play of colours are nothing short of breathtaking.

1. There are several prints from which this face may be derived including, Child with Owls (two prints, same title, 1973/1974 nos. 53 and 54 ), The Owl and I (1975 #3), Owls and Foliage (1976/1977 #34), Young Girls Thoughts of Birds, 1974 #52, Protective Birds (1985), and others.

PF