Born July 26, 1986 (Iqaluit, Nunavut)

Pitseolak (Pits) Qimirpik is a leading contemporary Inuit sculptor from Kinngait (Cape Dorset), Nunavut, recognized for his innovative ability to balance tradition with modern life in the Arctic. Born on July 26, 1986, Qimirpik grew up in a family deeply rooted in the art of stone carving. His father, the late master sculptor Kellypalik Qimirpik (1948–2017), was his greatest teacher and influence. As a young boy, Pitseolak spent countless hours observing his father work, and by the age of thirteen, he was carving his own sculptures. His uncle, Allashua Atsiaq, and cousin, Noo Atsiaq, are also established carvers, further embedding him in a lineage of celebrated Inuit artists.

From the beginning of his career, Qimirpik distinguished himself through his technical skill, creative risks, and the humour and vitality present in his work. He draws inspiration from both the natural world of the Arctic and the lived realities of modern Inuit life. His subjects range from traditional figures such as drum dancers, muskoxen, owls, and walruses, to playful interpretations of everyday northern culture. A hallmark of his work is the playful personality he brings to his carvings: walruses joyfully kicking up their flippers, rabbits dancing to hip-hop music, or bears animated in whimsical poses.

Qimirpik is also well known for his exploration of contemporary culture through sculpture. His acclaimed Young Man with MP3 Player (2010), carved from polished serpentine with antler inlay for the headphones and wires, reflects both continuity and change: the enduring skill of Inuit carving combined with references to modern technology. The work celebrates everyday northern life and the blending of tradition with contemporary influences. It also captures one of Qimirpik’s signature contrasts—the dark, veined stone of the carving set against the light colours of accessories like MP3 players, iPods, or other markers of modern life.

Though he embraces innovation, Qimirpik maintains a deep respect for traditional Inuit carving practices. He has worked alongside other Kinngait artists, including Nuna Parr and Kovianaqtuliak Tapauangai, mining stone to shape into works of art. He often carves in medium to small-scale formats, carefully studying each piece of stone before beginning, and is unafraid to experiment with unusual forms and compositions. His dedication to pushing creative boundaries has made him one of the most recognized carvers of his generation.

Since his father’s passing in 2017, Qimirpik has carried on his family’s artistic legacy while forging his own distinct voice. His work has been exhibited extensively across Canada, including at Gallery Indigena (Stratford, ON), the Inuit Gallery of Vancouver (Vancouver, BC), and Feheley Fine Arts (Toronto, ON). Internationally, his sculptures have been featured in the United States at the Albers Gallery of Inuit Art (San Francisco, CA) and in Europe at the Canadian Arctic Gallery (Basel, Switzerland). Notably, his Teen with MP3 Player (2010) is part of the TD Bank Corporate Collection in Toronto, ON.

Today, Qimirpik continues to live and work in Kinngait, where he remains committed to his craft. His sculptures—whether rooted in myth, wildlife, or contemporary culture—are celebrated for their energy, humour, and originality. With his bold vision and deep respect for tradition, Pitseolak Qimirpik has become one of the most dynamic and sought-after voices in contemporary Inuit art.