Born in Igloolik, Nunavut

Esa Kripanik is an Inuit artist from Igloolik, a highly isolated island community in northern Nunavut. In terms of scale, subject matter, and aesthetics, sculptures produced in this region tend to demonstrate many stylistic similarities to those from Pangnirtung. They are highly realistic, rarely polished, and often have a dry, flat finish.

Esa’s work is distinguished by his detailed animal engravings that can often be found on the flanks of his sculptures. The artists works are always skill fully carved.

With his signature white limestone usage, his pieces are not only easily recognizable, but collected by many.

Another unique characteristics of Esa Kripanik’s carvings are the unique engravings that are often found on the carvings itself.