Pitseolak Qimirpik

Pitseolak Qimirpik, hailing from Cape Dorset, is a young carver who swiftly carves out a niche for himself, serving as both apprentice (benefiting from the guidance of his esteemed father, the Dorset carver Kelly Qimirpik) and contemporary artist. Qimirpik adeptly distinguishes his artistry by blending pop-cultural symbols with traditional carving techniques. Positioned at the forefront of a burgeoning cohort of Inuit artists, he and his peers are reshaping their narrative within history, traditional mediums, and figurative storytelling. Their aesthetic seamlessly integrates into the contemporary art scene while retaining ties to ancestral roots and formal foundations. Much like his contemporaries, Qimirpik continues to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity.

Since the age of thirteen, Qimirpik showcases his talents through impeccable craftsmanship and a keen awareness of contemporary signifiers. His creations, ranging from muskoxen to drum dancers and dancing walruses, often incorporate modern elements, such as iPods or MP3 players, as seen in “Young Man with MP3” (2010). These additions, juxtaposed against materials like veined marble, offer a striking contrast, imbuing his works with an ironic depth (as the plastic veneer is made of bone). Rabbits groove to hip-hop beats, while walruses joyfully flap their flippers. Qimirpik’s art mirrors the multivalent nature of his generation, with its layers of meaning and playful references. While drawing inspiration from Inuit history, he anchors his subjects firmly in the contemporary world.