When the Pantone Colour Institute announced Very Peri—a peppy periwinkle-blue—as the 2022 colour of the year, they hoped to place the future ahead in a new light. This is the first time that Pantone has created a brand new shade for colour of the year, mixing blues with a violet-red undertone to which Executive Director Leatrice Eiseman describes as a mix that “display[s] a spritely, joyous attitude and dynamic presence that encourages creativity and imaginative expression.” 

Visionary ideas, transformative imagery and the exploration of creative possibilities are foundational to Inuit art. Whether it’s the physical metamorphosis of human into spirit or animal, or the skill and resourcefulness that go into transforming raw materials into works of art, Inuit artists reimagine what the future might look like, often using the past as a framework towards what could be.

Let’s take a look at the different ways Inuit artists have used Very Peri in their work. 

Meelia Kelly Untitled (2005–06) Graphite, coloured pencil and ink 66 x 50.5 cmREPRODUCED WITH PERMISSION DORSET FINE ARTS © THE ARTIST

David Kilabuk Moon over the Park (2013) Digital photograph Dimensions variableCourtesy the artist

Caroline Blechert Creations for Continuity Butterfly Necklace (2016) Porcupine quills, delica beads and sterling silver chainCOURTESY THE ARTIST 

Heather Campbell Nuliajuk and Icebergs (2019) Pen and ink on paperCOURTESY THE ARTIST

Myra Kukiiyaut Spirit (1969) Coloured pencilCOURTESY IAF

Tim Pitsiulak Pause (2016) Linocut 22 x 25.5 cm Printmaker Niviaksie QuvianaqtuliaqReproduced with permission Dorset fine arts courtesy inuit gallery of Vancouver © the artist

Hannah Tooktoo Woman with Tattoos and Purple Flowers (2020) Acrylic and gouache 17.8 x 12.7 cmCOURTESY THE ARTIST

Tony Anguhalluq Two inuit are out fishing in March (2007) Coloured pencil and graphite 60.1 x 48.3 cmCourtesy Marion Scott Gallery

Lydia Audlaluk Reversible Purple Sealskin Teardrop Earrings (2021) Sealskin and glass beads dimensions variableCOURTESY THE ARTIST

Dayle Kubluitok Some Inuk Things (2020) Digital illustrationCourtesy the artist 

Elizabeth Angrnaqquaq Untitled (n.d.) WallhangingCOURTESY IAF 

Mark Igloliorte Untitled (diptych series) (2014) Oil on telephone book paper 23.5 x 15.9 cm per panelCOURTESY MARION SCOTT GALLERY

Martha Kyak Hyacinth Tunniit Commander (Collaboration with Brador Fabrics) (2021) Dimensions variableCourtesy the artist

Read more about how past Pantone Colours of the Year have appeared in Inuit art:

Ultimate Grey and Illuminating (2021)

Classic Blue (2020)