Given the trumpeter swan’s preference for nesting sites with good water access and reliable food sources, the multitude of lakes throughout Qamani’tuaq, with minimal human interference, make for a perfect spot to roost. Prior to their lifelong pairing, their courtship is often presented with spread and almost quivering wings, and their heads bobbing toward each other. All in all, it is apt that Mary Tookanachiak has depicted this loving pair of swans amongst the lush tundra vegetation of Qamani’tuaq. Repeating waves of colour pop from the black background, further framing and highlighting the swans and their own repeating lines of feathers.

References: For further works by the artist, see Art Gallery of Guelph, Pattern and Form, exh., 2020.

AC