Meet the Shortlisted Artists

This year, the Kenojuak Ashevak Memorial Award introduced a shortlist of three artists whose inspiring work showcased a range of innovative, thoughtful practices and are poised for great things in the years ahead. In recognition of being named to the shortlist, each received $3,000 to support their practice.

“It is gratifying knowing that people appreciate the artwork that I’m creating enough to see it and recognize it and feel it’s good enough to be considered for such an important award. To be listed as someone who would even be considered, that’s a win in itself.”

Eldred Allen

“As much as I don’t love competition and the scarcity model we have to operate within this country currently known as Canada, these opportunities are really amazing, to be able to put your guts out there and apply and hope for the best.”

Kablusiak

“To be recognized is hugely motivating. It’s amazing to have a budget to pursue projects. It means that people are seeing what I do, and are responding to it really well.”

Couzyn van Heuvelen

The Kenojuak Ashevak Memorial Award is a biannual prize of $10,000, supporting mid-career and established artists. Established in 2014, it celebrates the long, unparalleled legacy of Kenojuak Ashevak, CC, ON, RCA (1917–2013) by supporting the contemporary practices of innovative artists.

This year marked a significant expansion of the award, which received a record number of applications. As jury member Ossie Michelin explained, “When I first saw the incredible longlist of applicants I was blown away by all the amazing talent, variety and sheer number of artists from across Inuit Nunangat. The Kenojuak Ashevak Memorial Award is a chance to celebrate the innovative nature and bold statements of Inuit art, and this was apparent in all of the applications.”

In addition to the establishment of a shortlist, the 2021 award also expanded benefits for the winner through an exciting partnership with the Winnipeg Art GalleryQaumajuq. Beginning with Tarralik Duffy, winners of the award will now also be offered a solo exhibition with a catalogue and a residency at WAG-Qaumajuq, and have a work acquired into their permanent collection. Duffy’s solo exhibition is slated for fall 2023.

“We are so pleased to partner with the Inuit Art Foundation on supporting contemporary Inuit artistic practice through the Kenojuak Ashevak Memorial Award,” says Dr. Stephen D. Borys, Director and CEO at the WAG. “With the opening of Qaumajuq, the WAG has renewed its longstanding commitment to supporting Inuit artists working across media and this partnership is an exciting way to contribute to the future development of Inuit art. We are looking forward to showcasing the incredible talent of Inuit artists, and honouring the incomparable legacy of Kenojuak Ashevak, for years to come.”

Thank you to 2021 jury members Ossie Michelin, Jocelyn Piirainen and Laakkuluk Williamson Bathory. Thank you to all of the donors who have made this award possible.

To learn more about the Kenojuak Ashevak Memorial Award, please visit inuitartfoundation.org/kama

COURTESY THE ARTIST Couzyn van Heuvelen is an ar tist from Iqaluit, NU, whose work explores Inuit culture and identity, new and old technologies and personal narratives, exhibiting a range of fabrication processes to make Inuit presence visible in public spaces.

COURTESY THE ARTIST Eldred Allen is a photographer from Rigolet, Nunatsiavut, NL, who has garnered at tention for his expansive and stunningly lit scenes of landscapes and wildlife, where composition and colour elevate ever yday subject matter to the ex traordinar y.

PHOTO ELYSE BOUVIER Kablusiak is a renowned multidisciplinar y ar tist and curator based in Mohkinstsis (Calgar y, AB) who uses Inuk ingenuit y to create work that examines Inuit identity, community ties, gender and sexual expressions and health and well-being.

REPRODUCED WITH PERMISSION DORSET FINE ARTS © THE ARTIST LEF T Kenojuak Ashevak (1927–2013 Kinngait) — Preening Owl 1995 Printmaker Arnaqu Ashevak Stonecut 50.7 × 66 cm