Born in 1956 (Baffin region, Nunavut)

Paul Quviq Malliki is one of the most accomplished and sought-after Inuit sculptors of his generation, known for his masterful realism and meticulous attention to detail. Born in 1956 in an outpost camp near Igloolik, Nunavut, he spent his early years immersed in traditional Inuit ways of life, hunting, and observing the land and its wildlife. These formative experiences deeply influence his art, imbuing his sculptures with an unparalleled sense of accuracy and vitality.
Malliki’s journey as a carver began at the young age of five. Self-taught, he learned by watching others and by closely studying the animals that surrounded him. His intimate knowledge of Arctic wildlife is evident in his work, particularly in his signature polar bear sculptures, which are renowned for their breathtaking realism. To achieve this, he once took exact measurements from a deceased polar bear, ensuring his depictions were anatomically precise. Each bear he carves features intricately etched fur, expertly positioned musculature, and an expressive stance that conveys both power and fluidity.

Over the decades, Malliki has gained international recognition, with his works held in prestigious private and public collections. His sculptures are highly sought after by collectors and institutions, and he has received significant commissions, including presentation gifts to Prime Ministers Brian Mulroney and Jean Chrétien, as well as Governor General Adrienne Clarkson. In 2000, he was commissioned to create a ptarmigan sculpture for the Official Symbols Project at the Legislative Assembly of Nunavut, and in 1999, he was one of six artists selected to contribute to the creation of the Nunavut Mace, a historic symbol of the territory.

Malliki’s carvings, which include both animals and human figures, are distinguished by their dramatic compositions and refined finishing. His ability to capture movement and emotion in stone has solidified his status as a leading figure in contemporary Inuit art. His work is represented in major galleries across North America, including Feheley Fine Arts Gallery in Toronto and the Judy Birch Gallery in Virginia and Nova Scotia. Due to the painstaking nature of his craftsmanship, he produces only a few pieces each year, making his sculptures exceptionally rare and highly collectible.

Beyond his artistic achievements, Malliki has played a pivotal role in mentoring emerging Inuit artists. As an instructor at Arctic College’s sculpture program, he has fostered the development of numerous carvers, including his brother Lazarus and Jackie Milortok. His influence extends beyond his immediate students, shaping the evolution of Repulse Bay sculpture through his emphasis on inlaid detail and anatomical precision.

When not sculpting, Malliki enjoys working with his dog team, hunting, and building. He remains deeply connected to the land and his heritage, values that continue to inform and inspire his artistry. His legacy is one of excellence, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to preserving and celebrating Inuit culture through sculpture. A true master of his craft, Paul Quviq Malliki’s work stands as a testament to the enduring power of Inuit artistry and storytelling.

Presently, Paul Malliki is the most established and widely exhibited Repulse Bay artist, and one of few local sculptors to make his living entirely from his art.

Exhibitions:

May-1986
The Spirit of the Land
The Koffler Gallery
Toronto-Ontario
November – December 1984
Die Kunst aus der Arktis
Inuit Galerie, Mannheim
held at Humanities and Social Sciences
Research Institute, University of Siegen
at Villa Waldrich
Siegen, Germany
January 1989
Cold Stones, Warm hearts: Inuit Art from the Northwest Territories
University of Richmond
Richmond, Virginia, USA
March-1993
Arts from the arctic
Anchorage Museum of History and art
Anchorage, Alaska
March-April 1997
UNESCO, Paris, France
April 2011
Imagination, Canadian Arctic Gallery, Basel, Switzerland 2011 Living Arctic