Kugaaruk, Nunavut

Alina Tungilik, hailing from Kugaaruk (formerly known as Pelly Bay), Nunavut, is a masterful Inuit artist deeply entrenched in the traditional Kugaaruk carving style. For many years, she has honed her craft, working primarily with natural materials such as ivory, antler, and whalebone. Through her art, Tungilik intricately weaves together elements of her cultural heritage and the natural world that surrounds her.

Tungilik’s work is a celebration of traditional everyday Inuit life, capturing moments of joy, connection, and resilience. Her compositions often depict scenes of hunting, fishing, and communal gatherings, offering a window into the rich tapestry of Inuit culture.

What sets Tungilik apart is her skillful use of materials and her ability to infuse her sculptures with a sense of life and movement. Her delicate ivory figures, meticulously carved and placed on whalebone bases, evoke a sense of whimsy and wonder. Each piece is a testament to Tungilik’s mastery of her craft and her deep reverence for her cultural heritage.

Through her art, Tungilik invites viewers to immerse themselves in the timeless beauty of Inuit traditions, where the past seamlessly intertwines with the present. Her work serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength of Inuit communities, and the enduring power of art to connect us to our roots and to each other.