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Join the IAF in celebrating the five artists shortlisted for the Kenojuak Ashevak Memorial Award in a series of talks this June. The fourth talk will feature Maureen Gruben, an installation, performance and textile artist from Tuktuyaaqtuuq (Tuktoyaktuk), Inuvialuit Settlement Region, NT. 

Working primarily with fur, hides, skins and manufactured materials, Gruben forges a link between the land and the communities that live on it in her work, often activating themes around environmentalism, melting ice and Indigenous hunting rights. The organic materials in Gruben’s work are harvested from the community and are often mixed by the artist with manufactured materials such as bubble wrap, Velcro and plastic, resulting in pieces that invoke memory and healing by placing value in a relationship to the land and what it provides.

During this artist talk, you’ll have an opportunity to learn about Maureen’s creative process, and what inspires her unique style.

About the Award

The Kenojuak Ashevak Memorial Award (KAMA) is a biennial prize that supports the practice of an Inuk artist by facilitating opportunities for artistic development and career growth. Established in 2014 by generous members of the Inuit art community, this award honours the life and work of the late Kenojuak Ashevak, and her unparalleled contributions to the cultural life and arts of Inuit Nunangat and beyond by providing funding to artists to expand their careers and reach new audiences.

This year’s shortlist of five artists was announced in May. These artists are included in the special group exhibition at the Winnipeg Art Gallery (WAG)-Qaumajuq, Anaanatta Unikkaangit: The Kenojuak Ashevak Memorial Award 2023 Shortlist, and each will receive $5,000. 

The 2023 winner will be announced at a special ceremony in September at WAG-Qaumajuq and will receive $20,000, a solo exhibition at the gallery in 2025, as well as a dedicated residency, catalogue and acquisition to WAG-Qaumajuq’s permanent collection.