Johnny Inukpuk facts for kids

Johnny Inukpuk (Inuktitut ᔭᓇ ᐃᓇ; 1911–2007) was a very important Inuit artist. He was famous for his sculptures and for being a great storyteller through his art. His son, Charlie Inukpuk, also became a sculptor, following in his father's footsteps.

Johnny Inukpuk: An Artist's Journey

Johnny Inukpuk started making carvings in the early 1950s. At this time, he was living a traditional life on the land. A man named James Archibald Houston, who was an artist and writer, really helped Inuit artists become known. He encouraged Johnny to keep carving.

Johnny's art often showed scenes from everyday life. He carved mothers raising children, family activities, and hunting. His wife, Mary, had a hare-lip, and he sometimes showed this in his sculptures of mothers and children.

How His Art Changed Over Time

In his earlier sculptures, Johnny Inukpuk would drill holes for the eyes. Later, he started using different materials to make the eyes. He would use soapstone or ivory to create an inlaid look. Sometimes, he even used melted black vinyl records to make dark, shiny eyes!

In 1953, Johnny began carving with green stone. By 1954, his sculptures started to feature shiny, round heads, which became a special part of his artistic style.

Famous Works and Recognition

One of Johnny Inukpuk's well-known pieces is called Hunter. This might have been one of the first large sculptures of a person made by an Inuit artist. It was bought by the TD Bank Financial Group in 1951.

His art also gained attention in England. In 1953, his work was shown in an art exhibition called The Coronation Exhibition in London. Another famous piece is Mother with Child Playing String Games, made around 1955. This sculpture, now at the National Gallery of Canada, shows his strong artistic style and amazing attention to detail.

In 1973, Johnny Inukpuk was given a special honor. He became a member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts. This is a group that recognizes important Canadian artists.

Where You Can See His Art

Johnny Inukpuk's artwork is kept in many museums around the world. You can find his sculptures in the permanent collections of places like the Art Gallery of York University and the Musée des beaux-arts du Canada. His art is also at the University of Pittsburgh Art Gallery, the Art Gallery of Ontario, and the University of Michigan Museum of Art.