Jessie Oonark - Buy or Sell artwork by Jessie Oonark

Jessie Oonark

1906 - 1985

Baker Lake; disc number E2-294

Jessie Oonark, born in 1906 near the Kazan River in Nunavut, was a prominent Inuit artist whose work played a crucial role in the development of contemporary Inuit art. Originally leading a traditional nomadic lifestyle, Oonark's artistic career began later in life after she settled in Baker Lake in the 1950s. Oonark is best known for her bold, vibrant textile works and prints that vividly depict Inuit mythology, traditional life and the natural world. Her compositions often feature symmetrical designs and a distinctive use of color, blending modern aesthetic techniques with cultural narratives. Her imagery includes depictions of Inuit clothing, tools, and animals, often arranged in dynamic, eye-catching patterns. In the mid-1960s, Oonark's talents gained recognition when her drawings were transformed into prints and textile works, leading to widespread acclaim. Her work became central to the burgeoning Baker Lake art scene, and she quickly gained a reputation as one of the leading Inuit artists of her time. Oonark's contributions to art have been celebrated with numerous exhibitions and accolades. Her works are included in prestigious collections such as the National Gallery of Canada and the Winnipeg Art Gallery. In 1984, the year before she passed away, she was awarded the Order of Canada for her artistic achievements. Jessie Oonark's legacy endures through her rich and evocative body of work, which continues to inspire and influence new generations of artists, highlighting the depth and vibrancy of Inuit culture.

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Jessie Oonark

Untitled

28 3/8 x 36 1/4 in, 72 x 92 cm

stroud, thread, embroidery floss and felt

Estimate: $10,000 - $15,000 CDN

Sold for: $11,250 CDN (premium included)

Inuit Art on Thursday, August 29, 2024

Jessie Oonark

Woman

28 1/2 x 19 1/4 in, 72.4 x 48.9 cm

stonecut and stencil on paper

Estimate: $4,000 - $6,000 CDN

Sold for: $8,125 CDN (premium included)

First Nations & Inuit Art on Thursday, August 27, 2020

Jessie Oonark

Woman

31 1/8 x 21 5/8 in, 79.1 x 54.9 cm

stonecut and stencil on paper

Estimate: $6,000 - $9,000 CDN

Sold for: $6,250 CDN (premium included)

Inuit Modern | A Prominent Private Collection on Thursday, June 27, 2024

Jessie Oonark

A Shaman’s Helping Spirits

36 x 24 in, 91.4 x 61 cm

stonecut and stencil on paper

Estimate: $4,000 - $6,000 CDN

Sold for: $5,000 CDN (premium included)

First Nations & Inuit Art on Thursday, August 26, 2021

Jessie Oonark

My Dream of a Person with Birds

24 1/8 x 34 1/8 in, 61.3 x 86.7 cm

linocut and stencil

Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000 CDN

Sold for: $2,813 CDN (premium included)

Inuit Art on Thursday, August 31, 2023

Jessie Oonark

Drum Dance

18 x 12 in, 45.7 x 30.5 cm

stonecut and stencil

Estimate: $400 - $600 CDN

Sold for: $2,375 CDN (premium included)

February 2015 - 3rd Session on Thursday, February 26, 2015

Jessie Oonark

Baker Lake Drawing

17 x 24 in, 43.2 x 61 cm

coloured pencil on paper

Estimate: $2,500 - $3,500 CDN

Sold for: $2,125 CDN (premium included)

First Nations & Inuit Art on Thursday, August 29, 2019

Jessie Oonark

Fish Woman

25 1/2 x 34 in, 64.8 x 86.4 cm

stencil on paper

Estimate: $1,600 - $2,000 CDN

Sold for: $1,750 CDN (premium included)

July 2016 - 4th Session on Thursday, July 28, 2016

Jessie Oonark

Fish Woman

25 x 34 in, 63.5 x 86.4 cm

stencil on paper

Estimate: $2,000 - $3,000 CDN

Sold for: $1,625 CDN (premium included)

Inuit Art | Graphic Works on Thursday, February 27, 2025

Jessie Oonark

People of the Inland

16 1/2 x 11 in, 41.9 x 27.9 cm

stonecut on paper

Estimate: $1,000 - $1,500 CDN

Sold for: $1,521 CDN (premium included)

July 2011 - 1st Session on Thursday, July 28, 2011