Malaija Pootoogook

“I enjoy drawing the different kinds of birds. I like to watch them fly; the look so peaceful and free.”

Born in 1971 in Iqaluit, Malaija has been surrounded by the many artists in her family. Her father Paulassie, was highly regarded as a sculptor and her brother, Mosesee, is a stone carver and another brother Itee Pootoogook (deceased) is well known for his contemporary drawings. Inspired by the work of her great-grandmother, the late Pitseolak Ashoona, Malaija completed her first drawing in 1994 and continues to function primarily as a graphic artist.

Malaija Pootoogook is primarily a graphic artist. She did her first drawing in 1994, inspired by the work of her great-grandmother, the late Pitseolak Ashoona. She was represented in the annual print collection for the first time in 2011 with two affecting images of the Arctic Owl. Expressive and monumental depictions of birds and Arctic wildlife are a continuing theme in her work.

Born on 1971 in Iqaluit, NU. Nationality is Inuit

Exhibitions

2017 Cape Dorset Annual Print Collection, Dorset Fine Arts, Toronto, ON (illustrated catalogue)
2014 Cape Dorset Annual Print Collection, Dorset Fine Arts, Toronto, ON (illustrated catalogue)
2013 Cape Dorset Annual Print Collection, Dorset Fine Arts, Toronto, ON (illustrated catalogue)
2012 Cape Dorset Annual Print Collection, Dorset Fine Arts, Toronto, ON (illustrated catalogue)
2011 Cape Dorset Annual Print Collection, Dorset Fine Arts, Toronto, ON (illustrated catalogue)