Iyola Kingwatsiak facts for kids

Iyola Kingwatsiak (born August 3, 1933 – died 2000) was a talented Inuit artist from a place called Kinngait. He was known for his amazing sculptures and prints.

Iyola Kingwatsiak's Early Life

Iyola was born on August 3, 1933, in Kinngait, which is in the Qikiqtaaluk Region on Baffin Island. Art ran in his family! Many of his relatives were also artists, including his sisters Tye Adla, Keeleemeeoomee Samualie, and Anna Kingwatsiak, and his brother Mikigak Kingwatsiak.

Becoming a Famous Artist

Iyola Kingwatsiak started his art career by carving stone. Later, he became very famous for his printmaking. He loved to show Arctic animals in his art, like birds, rabbits, walruses, whales, and bears. He worked alongside other well-known artists such as Osuitok Ipeelee, Kananginak Pootoogook, Lukta Qiatsuk, and Eegyvudluk Pootoogook.

Where You Can See His Art

You can find Iyola Kingwatsiak's beautiful artwork in many museums around the world. Some of these include the National Gallery of Canada, the National Museum of the American Indian, the Hood Museum of Art, and the University of Michigan Museum of Art.

Sharing His Story

In 1992, Iyola attended a special meeting about Inuit art at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection in Kleinburg, Ontario. He enjoyed being there, but he wished that Inuit artists had more chances to speak about their own work. He wanted to share how they create their carvings and prints, and what tools they use. He felt it was important for artists to tell their own stories.