Enchanted Owl by Kenojuak Ashevak

Silversea Expeditions: Cape Dorset Art Community

Silversea Expeditions, on day five, also brought us to visit the Cape Dorset Art Scene.

If you are interested in bringing home an art piece or perhaps an Inuit-carved soapstone sculpture, this is the place to make that happen.

The Rich Artistic Legacy of Cape Dorset

Cape Dorset, now known as Kinngait, is a small community on the southwestern coast of Baffin Island in Nunavut, Canada. It is renowned for its vibrant art scene, particularly its unique prints and sculptures, which have captivated art lovers worldwide.

Dancing Bear Sculpture

The Beginnings of an Artistic Hub

Cape Dorset’s journey as an artistic hub began in the 1950s, largely due to the efforts of James Houston, an artist and government administrator. Houston introduced printmaking to the community, working with local artists like Osuitok Ipeelee and Kananginak Pootoogook. Together, they experimented with linoleum tiles, stone blocks, and sealskin to create prints. Their early works were well-received, leading to the establishment of the West Baffin Eskimo Co-operative in 1959, which played a crucial role in supporting and promoting Inuit art.

The Role of Kenojuak Ashevak

One of the most iconic figures in Cape Dorset’s art history is Kenojuak Ashevak. Born in 1927, Ashevak became a pioneering force in Inuit art. She began drawing during a hospital stay in the South and quickly gained recognition for her unique style and expressive works. Her print *The Enchanted Owl* (1960), pictured above, is among her most famous pieces and was even featured on a Canadian postage stamp in 1970. Ashevak’s contributions helped elevate Inuit art on the global stage, and she remains a celebrated figure in the art world.

Carol and a community elder with her beautiful outfit

Prints and Sculptures: A Unique Blend

Cape Dorset artists are known for their distinctive prints and sculptures. The prints often feature themes from Inuit mythology, nature, and daily life, rendered in a style that blends traditional and contemporary elements. Techniques such as stonecut and stencil printing have become signatures of Cape Dorset art, with each print reflecting the artist’s unique vision and skill.

The sculptures from Cape Dorset are equally remarkable. Typically carved from local stone, these works often depict arctic wildlife and Inuit culture in a stylized, somewhat abstract form. Artists like Pauta Saila and Abraham Etungat have become renowned for their ability to capture the essence of their subjects with incredible detail and expressive qualities.

Today, Cape Dorset continues to thrive as a center of Inuit art. The West Baffin Eskimo Co-operative, now known as the Kinngait Co-operative, remains a vital institution, supporting new generations of artists and ensuring that the rich cultural heritage of the community is preserved and celebrated. The works produced in Cape Dorset are held in high regard internationally, serving as a testament to the creativity and resilience of the Inuit people.

Travel Tip: When you visit Cape Dorset, now known as Kinngait, be sure to bring some Canadian Dollars with you. Many of the stores will not take credit cards or American Dollars.

Stay tuned for more of our exciting adventures as we report experiences from our 14-day Arctic cruise with Silversea Expeditions.

For more information or to book an exciting Silversea Expedition cruise, please call Roaming Boomers Travel Services at (480) 550-1235 or use our convenient online information request (click here) and we’ll reach out to you.

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This article was written with the aid of Perplexity AI. Roaming Boomers Travel Services is an independent affiliate of Cadence and a Virtuoso® member. CST#201120-40