Saimaiyu Akesuk

”When I went down to the litho shop to sell my first drawing, I was very nervous wondering whether they would buy it or not. My first drawing was an image of my late grandfather’s (Latchaolassie) carving of a bird. I was so proud to get paid for that drawing and it inspired me to do more drawings.” -Saimaiyu Akesuk

Saimaiyuk Akesuk was born on April 28, 1988 in Iqaluit but she has lived in Cape Dorset her whole life. Her parents are Lau Akesuk and Olayuk Akesuk who was one of the first Members of the Legislative Assembly in Nunavut.

Saimaiyuk was inspired to start drawing by Ningeokulu Teevee while they were taking a class together at the Nunavut Teaching Education Program. Saimaiyuk’s confident drawings of birds and bears are characterized by her bold and dynamic simplicity rendered with soft tenderness and quite often a touch of whimsy.

Born on April 28, 1988 in Iqaluit, NU. Nationality is Inuit

Exhibitions

2019 Cape Dorset Annual Print Collection, Dorset Fine Arts, Toronto, ON
2018 Cape Dorset Annual Print Collection, Dorset Fine Arts, Toronto, ON
2017 Cape Dorset Annual Print Collection, Dorset Fine Arts, Toronto, ON
2015 Cape Dorset Graphics Collection, INUIT NOW, Dorset Fine Arts, Toronto, ON
2015 Cape Dorset Graphics Collection, Dorset Fine Arts, Toronto, ON
2014 Cape Dorset Graphics Collection, Dorset Fine Arts, Toronto, ON

2013 Cape Dorset Graphics Collection, Dorset Fine Arts, Toronto, ON