Roberta Memogana
B. 1971 Ulukhaktok / Inuvik, NT —
Hailing from a family of artists who share both a metaphoric and genetic hand, Roberta Memogana’s Hand of Talent (2017) is populated with material objects representing skills inherited from her father, Jimmy Memorana (1919–2009). A ceremonial drum fills the space of the palm with a bow and ulu (woman’s knife) in its orbit. An arrow, spear, spoon and knife rest in each finger, emphasizing the importance of her Inuvialuit identity as well as the objects that aid in constructing it. In addition to stencil prints, Memogana has also used her skill to illustrate four children’s books in conjunction with the Inuvialuit Cultural Resource Centre, including Santa Goes to Ulukhaqtok (2015) and How to Cut Fish Strips (2016), that celebrate, relay and preserve her Western Arctic heritage.