Kavavaow Mannomee facts for kids

Kavavaow Mannomee (also known as Qavavau Manumie) is a talented Inuk artist. He was born on September 21, 1958. He is well-known for his amazing prints and drawings. Kavavaow has spent most of his life living and working in Nunavut, a large territory in northern Canada.

Who is Kavavaow Mannomee?

Kavavaow Mannomee is an important printmaker from the Inuit community. His art helps share stories and scenes from Inuit culture with the world. He has created many beautiful pieces that are now in museums.

His Early Life and Family

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

Art runs in Kavavaow's family. His mother, Paunichea, and his father, Davidee, were both artists. His brothers, Tukiki Manomie and Aqjangajuk Shaa, are also sculptors. Growing up in an artistic family likely helped him develop his own creative skills.

Becoming an Artist

The Kinngait Printshop, where artists like Kavavaow Mannomee created their works.

Kavavaow Mannomee became involved with the West Baffin Eskimo Co-op and the Kinngait Studios. These places are famous for helping Inuit artists create and share their work. He started by making lithographs, which are prints made from a stone or metal plate. Later, he also created stonecuts, another type of printmaking. He also worked on detailed drawings using graphite pencils.

What Kind of Art Did He Make?

Kavavaow's art often shows scenes from daily life in Inuit culture. He also drew many Arctic animals, like polar bears and seals. Sometimes, his works featured figures from Inuit myths and legends. His art helps people learn about the rich traditions and stories of the Inuit people.

Where to See His Art

Kavavaow Mannomee had his first solo art show in Toronto in June 2008. This was a big moment for him, as it featured only his original drawings. Today, his artworks are displayed in many important museums. These include the Ackland Art Museum, the Canadian Museum of Civilization, and the National Gallery of Canada. You can also find his art at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and the Minneapolis Institute of Arts. His work is truly appreciated around the world.