Kavavaow Mannomee facts for kids

Kavavaow Mannomee (also known as Qavavau Manumie) was born on September 21, 1958. He is a famous Inuit artist from Nunavut, known for his beautiful prints.

Kavavaow's Early Life

Kavavaow Mannomee was born in Brandon, Manitoba. His mother was in the hospital there at the time. Soon after, his family returned to Cape Dorset. This is a community in Nunavut, where Mannomee has lived ever since.

Art runs in his family! Both his mother, Paunichea, and his father, Davidee, were artists. His brothers, Tukiki Manomie and Aqjangajuk Shaa, are also artists. They are known for creating sculptures.

His Artistic Journey

The Kinngait Printshop, where artists create amazing prints.

Kavavaow Mannomee started his art career at the West Baffin Eskimo Co-op and the Kinngait Studios. This is a special place where Inuit artists work together. He first learned to make lithographs, which are prints made from a stone or metal plate. Later, he began making stonecuts, another type of printmaking. He also created many drawings using graphite pencils.

What His Art Shows

Mannomee's artwork often shows scenes from everyday life in the Inuit culture. He also loves to draw Arctic animals, like polar bears and seals. Sometimes, his art even features figures from Inuit stories and myths. His pieces help people learn about the rich traditions and nature of the Arctic.

Where to See His Art

In June 2008, Mannomee had his first solo art show in Toronto. This was a big moment for him! His amazing artworks are now kept in many museums around the world. You can find his pieces in places like the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa and the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. His art is also displayed in museums in the United States, such as the Minneapolis Institute of Arts.