Artwork
Untitled
Untitled is an ink print by Pitseolak Ashoona. It dates from 1963 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1963, this engraving by Pitseolak Ashoona—an Inuk artist recognized by the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts—depicts three stylized figures arranged in a linear composition. The work is part of the Museum of Modern Art’s collection and exemplifies Ashoona’s focus on printmaking as a means of recording everyday Inuit life.
Subject & Meaning
The three stick‑like figures are rendered with exaggerated facial features, large eyes and small mouths, suggesting a narrative scene rather than a literal portrait. The central figure’s bulky coat and bundled sticks may reference traditional clothing and tools, while the raised arm of the left figure and the spear‑like stick of the right figure hint at communal activity or storytelling within Inuit culture.
Technique & Style
Ashoona employed sharp, uneven lines typical of hand‑cut engraving, allowing the image to retain a raw, sketch‑like quality. The contrast between the stark white background and the scratchy incisions creates a sense of immediacy, emphasizing the artist’s direct hand and the tactile nature of the medium.
History & Provenance
The print was produced during a period when Inuit artists increasingly engaged with print workshops, expanding the reach of their visual narratives. Acquired by MoMA, the piece reflects mid‑20th‑century efforts to document and share Inuit cultural traditions through contemporary art institutions.
Artist & collection
Artist
Pitseolak Ashoona (c. 1904 – May 28, 1983) was a Canadian Inuk artist admired for her prolific body of work. She was also a member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts.
