Piona Keyuakjuk

Piona Keyuakjuk is a talented multidisciplinary artist from Nunatak, NU who currently resides in Pangnirtung, NU. As a child, Keyuakjuk spent many hours watching both of his parents carving and drum making learning these art forms through observation [1].

Keyuakjuk’s carvings encompass traditional activities, such as drum dancing and kayaking, and animals from narwhal and seals to Arctic hares. Following the example of his parents, Keyuakjuk has a traditional carving style and uses solely hand tools to create images from his past [2].In addition to carving, Keyuakjuk is an accomplished printmaker who made his debut as part of the 2010 Pangnirtung Print Collection released by the Uqqurmiut Centre for Arts & Crafts [3]. From hunting and transformation scenes to depictions of violence the permeate northern communities, his bold images bring attention to issues both past and present.

He has exhibited and sold his work across the country, including showing his work at Onsite Gallery in Toronto, ON and taking part in the Great Northern Arts Festival in Inuvik, NT. Keyuakjuk has been written about in many publications including Inuit Art Quarterly. He has two prints included in the 2018 Pangnirtung Print Collection.