Inuit Artists Visit Alaska on Madison
October 31, 2015
On October 17, 2015, Alaska on Madison hosted Samaiyu Akesuk and Papiara Tukiki, two of the artists whose work is featured in the 2015 Cape Dorset Print Collection. 
Saimaiyu Akesuk was born on April 28, 1988 in Iqaluit but she has lived in Cape Dorset for almost her whole life. Her parents are Lau Akesuk and Olayuk Akesuk, who was one of the first Members of the Legislative Assembly in Nunavut. Samaiyu's grandfather, Latcheolassie Akesuk, was a distinguished early Cape Dorset sculptor. Saimaiyu was inspired to start drawing by Ningeokuluk Teevee while they were taking a class together at the Nunavut Teaching Education Program. Saimaiyu'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.
Papiara Tukiki has been a delightful mainstay of the annual collection since her first prints were introduced in 2004. Papiara's simple forms capture the essence of her subject. In 1977 she received an Award of Excellence for her original design in the "Things That Make us Beautiful" competition organized by the Department of Indian and Northern Development. Born on Christmas Day, 1942, Papiara is married to Qopie Tukiki, a long-time employee of the community's Housing Association. They live in Cape Dorset.
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