Many people have been instrumental in the writing of this publication. I would like to thank Kiki and Ian Delaney, the Title Sponsors of this book. My gratitude as well to the anonymous donor who made the print edition of this publication possible. I acknowledge the professionalism of the entire team at the Art Canada Institute, especially Sara Angel, Jocelyn Anderson, Michael Rattray, Cy Strom, Simone Wharton, Stephanie Burdzy, and Emma Doubt, and thank them for the opportunity to share the pivotal work of Annie Pootoogook with a broader public. I thank York University’s Visual Art & Art History Department and my doctorate advisers Dr. Anna Hudson, Dr. Sarah Parsons, and Dr. Gerald McMaster, who are critical to this presentation. Special thanks to Patricia Feheley and Elyse Jacobson at Feheley Fine Arts for their knowledge, assistance, and encouragement. The people at Dorset Fine Arts have been an invaluable resource as well as my colleagues at the West Baffin Eskimo Co-operative in Kinngait. I respect my many colleagues at the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, the Art Gallery of Ontario, the Art Museum at the University of Toronto, and The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery, who have offered me many opportunities to present the work of Inuit artists within their galleries. Most importantly I acknowledge, with joy and sadness, Annie Pootoogook, for her bravery and vision. Artists are the core, the reason, and the joy of all curatorial work.
From the Art Canada Institute
The Art Canada Institute gratefully acknowledges the generosity of Kiki and Ian Delaney, the Title Sponsors of this book. The ACI wishes to thank for their support and assistance the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia (Shannon L. Parker); Art Gallery of Ontario (Tracy Mallon-Jensen); Canadian Art (Joy Xiang); Carleton Art Gallery (Sandra Dyck, Patrick Lacasse); Confederation Centre Art Gallery (Kathleen Mackinnon); Documenta Media Archive (Michael Gärtner); Dorset Fine Arts (Paige Connell, David Hannan); Feheley Fine Arts (Patricia Feheley, Elyse Jacobson); Goose Lane Publishing; the Illingworth Kerr Gallery (Cassandra Paul); Inuit Art Foundation; King Galleries (Charles S. King); Marion Scott Gallery (Charles Bateman); the McMichael Canadian Art Collection (Jacqui Usiskin); Montreal Museum of Fine Arts (Claudine Nicol, Marie-Claude Saia); National Gallery of Canada (Raven Amiro); Pierre-François Ouellette art contemporain (Pierre-François Ouellette); The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery (Jaime Eisen); William Grant & Sons Distillers Ltd (Andy Fairgrieve); and Nancy Campbell, Baljit and Roshi Chadha, Marcia Connolly, David Craig, Rob Craigie and Stephanie Comer, Paul and Mary Desmarais, Gary Evans, Rafael Goldchain, Edward J. Guarino, Katherine Knight, Tessa Macintosh, Jennifer Nicoll, John Paul, John and Joyce Price, William Ritchie, Reid Shier and Zoe Lasham, and Jay Smith and Laura Rapp. The ACI recognizes the additional private collectors who have given permission for their works to be published in this edition.
The ACI gratefully acknowledges the other sponsors of the 2019–2020 Canadian Online Art Book Project: Anonymous, Alexandra Bennett in memory of Jalynn Bennett, Cowley Abbott, The Jay and Barbara Hennick Family Foundation, The Sabourin Family Foundation, Scotiabank, and Bruce V. Walter.
We also sincerely thank the Founding Sponsor for the Art Canada Institute: BMO Financial Group; and the Art Canada Institute Patrons: Anonymous, Marilyn and Charlie Baillie, Christopher Bredt and Jamie Cameron, Butterfield Family Foundation,* David and Vivian Campbell,* Connor, Clark & Lunn Foundation, Albert E. Cummings,* The Fleck Family,* Roger and Kevin Garland,* Glorious and Free Foundation,* The Scott Griffin Foundation,* Jane Huh,* Lawson Hunter, Gershon Iskowitz Foundation,* Alan and Patricia Koval Foundation, Phil Lind,* Nancy McCain and Bill Morneau,* John O’Brian, Judith and Wilson Rodger, Gerald Sheff and Shanitha Kachan,* Stephen Smart,* Nalini and Tim Stewart,* Noreen Taylor, Tina Tehranchian, and Robin and David Young.*
We thank our Lead Benefactors: Alexandra Baillie, Alexandra Bennett and the Jalynn Bennett Family Foundation,* Grant and Alice Burton, Kiki and Ian Delaney,* Jon S. and Lyne Dellandrea,* K. James Harrison, Michelle Koerner and Kevin Doyle,* Sarah and Tom Milroy,* Partners in Art,* Sandra L. Simpson,* Pam and Michael Stein,* and Sara and Michael Angel.*
*Indicates a Founding Patron of the Art Canada Institute
IMAGE SOURCES
Every effort has been made to secure permissions for all copyrighted material. The Art Canada Institute will gladly correct any errors or omissions.
Credit for Cover Image
Annie Pootoogook, Cape Dorset Freezer, 2005. (See below for details.)
Credits for Banner Images
Biography: Annie Pootoogook, Sobey Award 2006, 2007. (See below for details.)
Key Works: Annie Pootoogook, Untitled (Kenojuak and Annie with Governor General Michaëlle Jean), 2010. (See below for details.)
Significance & Critical Issues: Annie Pootoogook, A True Story, 2006. (See below for details.)
Style & Technique: Annie Pootoogook, 35/36, 2006, collagraph and stencil with graphite on paper, 44.1 x 75.9 cm. Collection of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kleinburg, Ontario, Gift from the Christopher Bredt and Jamie Cameron Collection (2016.10.11). Courtesy of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kleinburg, Ontario. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Sources & Resources: Annie Pootoogook, Portrait of My Grandmother, 2004. (See below for details).
Where to See: Installation view of Annie Pootoogook, Bear by the Window, 2004, and Red Bra (35/36), 2006. (See below for details.)
Credits for Works by Annie Pootoogook
Annie and Andre, 2009. Collection of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kleinburg, Ontario. Gift from the Christopher Bredt and Jamie Cameron Collection (2016.10.8). Courtesy of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kleinburg, Ontario. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Bagpipes, 2006. Private collection. Courtesy of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kleinburg, Ontario. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Balvenie Castle, 2006. Collection of the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, Halifax, purchased with funds provided by the Sobey Art Foundation, Stellarton, Nova Scotia, 2007 (2007.113). Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Bear by the Window, 2004. Private collection. Courtesy of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kleinburg, Ontario. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Begging for Money, 2006. Collection of Paul and Mary Desmarais. Courtesy of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kleinburg, Ontario. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Cape Dorset Freezer, 2005. Collection of the National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa, purchased 2007 (42155). Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Coleman Stove with Robin Hood Flour and Tenderflake, 2003–4. Collection of Reid Shier and Zoe Lasham. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Composition (Evil Spirit), 2003–4. Collection of Jay Smith and Laura Rapp. Courtesy of Illingworth Kerr Gallery, Alberta University of the Arts, Calgary. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Composition (Family Cooking in Kitchen), 2002. Collection of the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, Halifax, purchased with funds provided by the Exxon Mobil Corporation, 2007 (2007.130). Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Composition (Family Playing Cards), 2000–2001. Collection of Baljit and Roshi Chadha. Courtesy of Pierre-François Ouellette art contemporain, Montreal. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Composition (Family Portrait), 2005–6. Collection of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kleinburg, Ontario, Gift from the Christopher Bredt and Jamie Cameron Collection (2016.10.4). Courtesy of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kleinburg, Ontario. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Composition (Hands with Praying Figure), 2006. Courtesy of Feheley Fine Arts, Toronto. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Composition (Happy Woman), 2003–4. Collection of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kleinburg, Ontario, Gift from the Christopher Bredt and Jamie Cameron Collection (2016.10.1). Courtesy of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kleinburg, Ontario. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Composition (Mother and Child), 2006. Collection of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kleinburg, Ontario, purchased with the generous support of The Dr. Michael Braudo Fund of the McMichael Canadian Art Foundation (2017.1.3). Courtesy of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kleinburg, Ontario. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Composition (Plucking the Grey Hair), 2004–5. Collection of Stephanie Comer and Rob Craigie. Courtesy of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kleinburg, Ontario. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Composition (Sadness and Relief for My Brother), 2006. Collection of Gary Evans. Courtesy of Feheley Fine Arts, Toronto. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Composition: Watching Porn on Television, 2005. Private collection. Courtesy of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kleinburg, Ontario. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Composition: Women Gathering Whale Meat, 2003–4. Private collection. Courtesy of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kleinburg, Ontario. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Cross, 2007. Collection of Stephanie Comer and Rob Craigie. Courtesy of expandinginuit.com. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Dr. Phil, 2006. Private collection. Courtesy of Feheley Fine Arts, Toronto. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Drawing with Pencil (Bay Blanket), 2005–6. Collection of Stephanie Comer and Rob Craigie. Courtesy of expandinginuit.com. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Drinking Beer in Montreal, 2006. Collection of John and Joyce Price. Courtesy of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kleinburg, Ontario. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Eating Seal at Home, 2001. Collection of John and Joyce Price. Courtesy of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kleinburg, Ontario. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Erotic Scene – 4 Figures, 2001. Collection of John and Joyce Price. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Family Camping on the Land, 2001–2. McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kleinburg, Ontario, Gift from the Christopher Bredt and Jamie Cameron Collection (2016.10.9). Courtesy of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kleinburg, Ontario. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Family Taking Supplies Home, 2006. Collection of Stephanie Comer and Rob Craigie. Courtesy of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kleinburg, Ontario. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Gold Star TV, 2003–4. Private collection. Courtesy of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kleinburg, Ontario. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Gossip, 2006. Private collection. Courtesy of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kleinburg, Ontario. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Holding Boots, 2004. Private collection. Courtesy of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kleinburg, Ontario. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
The Homecoming, 2006. Courtesy of Dorset Fine Arts, Toronto. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Hunter Mimics Seal, 2006. Collection of the Art Gallery of Ontario, Toronto, purchased with the assistance of the Joan Chalmers Inuit Art Fund, 2017 (2016/179). Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
In the Summer Camp Tent, 2002. Collection of John and Joyce Price. Courtesy of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kleinburg, Ontario. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Junior Rangers, 2006. Collection of Stephanie Comer and Rob Craigie. Courtesy of expandinginuit.com. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Kijjautiik (Scissors), 2007. Courtesy of Dorset Fine Arts, Toronto. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Killing Fish, 2003–4. Collection of Stephanie Comer and Rob Craigie. Courtesy of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kleinburg, Ontario. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
A Man Abuses His Wife, 2004. Collection of John and Joyce Price. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Man Abusing His Partner, 2002. Collection of John and Joyce Price. Courtesy of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kleinburg, Ontario. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Man Pulling Woman, 2003–4. Collection of John and Joyce Price. Courtesy of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kleinburg, Ontario. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Memory of My Life: Breaking Bottles, 2001–2. Collection of Stephanie Comer and Rob Craigie. Courtesy of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kleinburg, Ontario. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Morning Routine, 2003. Private collection. Courtesy of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kleinburg, Ontario. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
My Mother and I, 2004–5. Collection of John and Joyce Price. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Myself in Scotland, 2005–6. Collection of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kleinburg, Ontario, Gift from the Christopher Bredt and Jamie Cameron Collection (2016.10.6). Courtesy of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kleinburg, Ontario. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
The National, 2003. Collection of Confederation Centre Art Gallery, Charlottetown, purchased with the assistance of the Canada Council for the Arts Acquisition Assistance Program, 2007 (CAG 2007.3.2). Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Pen, Pencil and Eraser, 2003–4. Private collection. Courtesy of Feheley Fine Arts, Toronto. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Pitseolak Drawing with Two Girls on Her Bed, 2006. Private collection. Courtesy of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kleinburg, Ontario. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Playing Nintendo, 2006. Private collection. Courtesy of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kleinburg, Ontario. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Portrait of My Grandmother, 2004. Collection of John and Joyce Price. Courtesy of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kleinburg, Ontario. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Preparing for the Women’s Beluga Feast, 2001–2. Collection of Stephanie Comer and Rob Craigie. Courtesy of expandinginuit.com. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Red Bra (35/36), 2006. Collection of Dorset Fine Arts, Toronto, and the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kleinburg, Ontario. Courtesy of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kleinburg, Ontario. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Ritz Crackers, 2004. Private collection. Courtesy of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kleinburg, Ontario. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Sculptor with Pipe, 2003–4. Collection of John and Joyce Price. Courtesy of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kleinburg, Ontario. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Shooting a Mountie, 2001. Private collection. Courtesy of Feheley Fine Arts, Toronto. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Showing a Drawing, 2001–2. Collection of the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, Halifax, purchased with funds provided by the Exxon Mobil Corporation, 2007 (2007.131). Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Sobey Award 2006, 2007. Collection of Paul and Mary Desmarais. Courtesy of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kleinburg, Ontario. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Sobey Awards, 2006. Collection of John and Joyce Price. Courtesy of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kleinburg, Ontario. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
3 Generations, 2004–5. Collection of John and Joyce Price. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Three Men Carving a Seal, Three Women Cleaning, 2006. Collection of the Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, Halifax, purchased with funds made available from the Jane Shaw Law Endowment Fund, 2007 (2007.112). Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
A True Story, 2006. Collection of Stephanie Comer and Rob Craigie. Courtesy of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kleinburg, Ontario. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Under Arrest, 2003. Collection of John and Joyce Price. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Untitled (Kenojuak and Annie with Governor General Michaëlle Jean), 2010. Collection of the National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa, purchased 2010 (43064). Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Untitled (Making Rope and Bannock), 2004–5. Collection of Stephanie Comer and Rob Craigie. Courtesy of expandinginuit.com. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Untitled (Softening Skin), 2006. Collection of Stephanie Comer and Rob Craigie. Courtesy of expandinginuit.com. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Untitled (Women Sewing), 2004. Collection of John and Joyce Price. Courtesy of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kleinburg, Ontario. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
War Is Over, 2003. Private collection. Courtesy of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kleinburg, Ontario. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Watching Hunting Shows, 2004. Collection of John and Joyce Price. Courtesy of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kleinburg, Ontario. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Watching the Simpsons on TV, 2003. Collection of Edward J. Guarino. Courtesy of Feheley Fine Arts, Toronto. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Woman at Her Mirror (Playboy Pose), 2003. Collection of John and Joyce Price. Courtesy of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kleinburg, Ontario. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Credits for Photographs and Works by Other Artists
Annie Pootoogook at the Sobey Art Award 2006 exhibition at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, November 7, 2007. Photo credit: Denis Bernier.
Annie Pootoogook speaking to the crowds at the Alberta College of Art and Design, 2007. Courtesy of Feheley Fine Arts, Toronto. Photo credit: Patricia Feheley.
Aqaqtuq (Singing Love Song), 1993, by Napachie Pootoogook. Courtesy of Dorset Fine Arts, Toronto. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Climate Change, 2011, by Tim Pitsiulak. Collection of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kleinburg, Ontario, purchased with the generous support of The Dr. Michael Braudo Fund of the McMichael Canadian Art Foundation (2013.2.3). Courtesy of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kleinburg, Ontario. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Composition (Purple Bird Transformation), 2010, by Shuvinai Ashoona. Collection of Stephanie Comer and Rob Craigie. Courtesy of expandinginuit.com. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Cover of Annie Pootoogook: Cutting Ice, 2017, by Nancy Campbell, translated by Rhoda Kayakjuak, co-published by the McMichael Canadian Art Collection and Goose Lane, 2017, featuring Myself in Scotland, 2005–6, by Annie Pootoogook. Courtesy of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kleinburg, Ontario.
Cover of Annie Pootoogook: Kinngait Compositions, 2011, by Jan Allen, published by the Agnes Etherington Art Centre, Queen’s University, Kingston, 2011, featuring Portrait of My Grandmother, 2004, by Annie Pootoogook.
Cover of Dorset Seen, 2017, curated by Leslie Boyd and Sandra Dyck. Catalogue designed by Mark Timmings and published by Carleton University Art Gallery, Ottawa, 2017, featuring a detail of Untitled (People Lining Up to Sell Artwork), 2012, by Shuvinai Ashoona.
Cover of Inuit Art Quarterly 31, no. 2 (Fall 2018), featuring Sobey Awards, 2006, by Annie Pootoogook. Courtesy of Inuit Art Quarterly, https:www.inuitartfoundation.org/inuit-art-quarterly.
Installation view of Annie Pootoogook’s Bear by the Window, 2004, and Red Bra (35/36), 2006, at documenta 12, 2007, photograph by Ryszard Kasiewicz.
Installation view of Annie Pootoogook’s Composition (Drawing of My Grandmother’s Glasses), 2007, at the Liverpool Biennial, September 2018. Courtesy of Elyse Jacobson. Photo credit: Elyse Jacobson.
Installation view of Annie Pootoogook’s drawings in the exhibition Sobey Art Award 2006 at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, October 17, 2006, to January 7, 2007. Photo credit: MBAM, Christine Guest.
Installation view of Annie Pootoogook’s work at The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery, 2006. Courtesy of The Power Plant Contemporary Art Gallery, Toronto. Photo credit: Rafael Goldchain.
Interior View, 2000, by Napachie Pootoogook. Courtesy of Feheley Fine Arts, Toronto. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Lunch at the Diner with Nancy Campbell, Siassie Kenneally, Shuvinai Ashoona, Patricia Feheley, and Annie Pootoogook, c.2005, photographer unknown. Photo courtesy of Nancy Campbell.
Pitseolak in Lithography Studio signing her work, Cape Dorset, 1976. Photo credit: Tessa Macintosh Photography, tmacfoto.ca.
Promotional poster for Annie Pootoogook at Documenta XII, Kassel, Germany, 2007, by Feheley Fine Arts. Courtesy of Feheley Fine Arts, Toronto.
Rear of Canoe, 2011, by Itee Pootoogook. Collection of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kleinburg, Ontario. Gift from the Christopher Bredt and Jamie Cameron Collection (2018.7.25). Courtesy of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection, Kleinburg, Ontario. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Three Cousins, 2005, by Shuvinai Ashoona. Private collection. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Trading Women for Supplies, 1997–98, by Napachie Pootoogook. Collection of Edward J. Guarino. Courtesy of Feheley Fine Arts, Toronto. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Untitled (Alcohol), 1993–94, by Napachie Pootoogook. Collection of Edward J. Guarino. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Untitled, 2006, by Kananginak Pootoogook. Courtesy of Marion Scott Gallery, Vancouver. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
Untitled (Self-Portrait of Kananginak Drawing a Wolf), 2009, by Kananginak Pootoogook. Courtesy of Marion Scott Gallery, Vancouver. Reproduced with the permission of Dorset Fine Arts.
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