Jessie Kenalogak
B. 1951 Qamani’tuaq, NU —
In her dense, brightly coloured drawings, Jessie Kenalogak has created a world of her own. Although her compositions occasionally resemble those of fellow Qamani’tuaq (Baker Lake), NU, artist Simon Tookoome, whether she is working in drawing, printmaking, ceramic or textile, Kenalogak’s work is distinctly her own. The artist’s meandering lines and highly patterned mark making, variously reveal and obfuscate traditional Inuit legends, transformation scenes and depictions of contemporary life and culture. Often executed on black paper, Kenalogak begins her compositions with bold, graphic outlines of figures in white coloured pencil. These forms are filled in with teardrops, curlicues, stripes and zig-zags in vibrant hues that contrast brilliantly against the rich blackness of their support. Kenalogak’s work requires close, sustained viewing, as new forms, stories and lessons emerge with each new look.