Shared History: The Drawings of Pitseolak Ashoona

Pitseolak Ashoona’s body of work, its range and depth, was achieved through two decades of diligent effort and considerable creative energy. One of the first Inuit to create images of traditional life, Pitseolak contributed to the establishment of a modern Inuit art form that has achieved worldwide popular and commercial success. At the same time, her artworks play a vital role in the transmission of Inuit traditional knowledge and values. The legacy of her influence continues to be felt today. For more on Pitseolak Ashoona read Christine Lalonde’s Pitseolak Ashoona: Life & Work.

Christine Lalonde is Associate Curator of Indigenous Art at the National Gallery of Canada, Ottawa. She is actively engaged with Inuit artists in northern communities and urban centres in Canada and abroad. Lalonde has explored experimental approaches to presenting work by Indigenous artists, providing a balance between commemorating their artistic accomplishments and raising awareness of critical issues.