Born in 1956 (Baffin region, Nunavut)

Paul Maliki was born in a remote camp near the community of Igloolik where his first sculpture was made at the age of five. He learned on his own, from watching others: “I learned most things while hunting. When I hunt animals, I study them. ”

Paul sculpts both animals as well as human figures. His fiery animals are dramatically posed and finely finished: “It’s the beauty of animals that I try to show off, all the time,” he says. When asked if he has a favourite subject, Paul replies, “As long as it has something to do with sculpture, this is my favourite subject. ”

The artist also played a fatherly role in promoting the development of sculpture among the locals, as a teacher in the sculpture course at the College of the Arctic. Currently, he is Repulse Bay’s best-known and most exposed sculptor, and one of the few local artists to make a living from his art.

Maliki’s works can be found in many private and public collections and are in demand in many galleries across North America. He has received several prestigious commissions, including gifts from Prime Minister Brian Mulroney and Jean Chrétien, as well as Governor General Adrienne Clarkson.

On July 9, 2013, in Iqaluit, Nunavut Day was celebrated with a special commemorative ceremony to mark 20 years since the birth of Nunavut. At the Igluvut Building, Nunavut Tunngavik Inc. President Cathy Towtongie joined the artists to unveil the 20th anniversary monument. One of the artists was Paul Maliki.