Mayureak Ashoona facts for kids

Mayureak Ashoona, born Mayureak Petaulassie on September 27, 1946, is a talented Inuk artist. She is famous for her beautiful drawings and prints on paper.

Her art has been shown in many important places. For example, in 2010, her work was part of an exhibition called Nipirasait: Many Voices Inuit Prints from Cape Dorset in Washington, D.C. She also had art in the exhibition Uuturautiit: Cape Dorset Celebrates 50 Years of Printmaking at the National Gallery of Canada from 2009 to 2010. Mayureak Ashoona was also featured in the 1995 book, Inuit Women Artists: Voices from Cape Dorset. Today, she lives and creates her art near Cape Dorset, Nunavut.

Early Life and Art

Mayureak Ashoona grew up in a traditional way, living off the land. She was around art from a very young age. Her mother, Sheouak Parr, was also an artist. She was one of the first women to start drawing projects in the 1950s. Mayureak's father was Agiak Petaulassie, an Anglican minister.

Starting Her Artistic Journey

Mayureak began carving and drawing in the 1970s. At that time, she lived in a small camp with her husband, Kaka Ashoona, who was also an artist. Their camp was on the southern coast of Baffin Island. Living there meant they had to be very self-sufficient. Mayureak's carvings helped her pass the time and also provided money for her family.

After Kaka's death in 1996, Mayureak moved back to Cape Dorset, Nunavut. She continues to live and work there, creating amazing art.

Mayureak's Artwork

Mayureak Ashoona mainly works with prints, drawings, and carvings. Her art is very lively and has been recognized around the world. Her pieces often show the natural world. She uses different styles, from abstract shapes to clear pictures of people and animals. Her art shares her unique Inuk perspective.

Exhibitions and Collections

In 1986, some of her pieces were shown in an exhibit called "Northern Exposure: Inuit Images of Travel" at the Burnaby Art Gallery. She was also one of nine artists featured in the exhibition "Isumavut: The Artistic Expression of Nine Cape Dorset Women" at the Canadian Museum of History in Hull, Quebec.

You can find Mayureak Ashoona's work in important art collections. These include the National Gallery of Canada and the Winnipeg Art Gallery.