Irene Avaalaaqiaq Tiktaalaaq facts for kids

Irene Avaalaaqiaq Tiktaalaaq RCA (born in 1941) is one of Canada's most famous Inuit artists. Her art often tells stories from her own life. She shares themes of being an orphan and the Inuit tales her grandmother told her. Avaalaaqiaq Tiktaalaaq is well-known for her amazing drawings, prints, and fabric wall hangings.

About Irene's Life

Irene Avaalaaqiaq Tiktaalaaq was born near Baker Lake, in Nunavut, Canada. She believes she was born in 1941. Back then, birth dates were not always written down. Her mother passed away soon after Irene was born. Her father could not care for her. So, her grandparents raised her in the traditional Inuit way.

Irene remembers her childhood fondly. She said her art reminds her of her life. She also always remembers her grandmother. Her grandmother told her many stories and legends. Irene grew up only with her grandparents. She had never seen other people. When she creates art, she remembers these times. She can see them clearly, like a picture.

On August 9, 1956, she married David Tiktaalaaq. They moved to Baker Lake in 1958. There, Irene gave birth to one of their children.

Her Amazing Artwork

Irene Avaalaaqiaq Tiktaalaaq started her art career around 1969. She began by making small carvings from soapstone. These often showed animals with human heads.

Her beautiful artworks are now in many important collections. You can find them at the National Gallery of Canada. They are also at the Winnipeg Art Gallery. Other places include the Baltimore Museum of Art. Her art is truly special and recognized widely.

Art Shows and Exhibitions

Irene Avaalaaqiaq Tiktaalaaq's art has been shown in many places. Here are a few of her exhibitions:

• Two Great Image Makers from Baker Lake, 1999 (with Josiah Nuilaalik)
• Works On Cloth, 2002

Many art galleries and museums have shown her work. Some of these include:

• The Art Gallery of Ontario in Toronto
• The Canadian Museum of Civilization in Hull
• The National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa
• The Winnipeg Art Gallery in Winnipeg

Awards and Recognition

In 1999, the University of Guelph gave Irene Avaalaaqiaq Tiktaalaaq a special award. It was an honorary doctorate degree. This award recognized her important work in Inuit art. It also honored her leadership in the Baker Lake community.

Irene was very proud of this award. She said, "It makes me feel proud that my art is recognized after so many years of being an artist." She gave her speech in her native language, Inuktitut. Her friend, Sally Qimmiu'naaq Webster, helped translate it.

She was also made a member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts. This is a very high honor for artists in Canada.