Born in Kinngait (Cape Dorset, NU), Inuk artist Toonoo Sharky began his career as a sculptor at nine years old and exhibited for the first time at 17. He is known for his sculptures of arctic animals with spiritual variations. These multidimensional creations represent combinations of animals. His themes include dramatic treatments of wildlife, especially birds with human faces, and transformative works that are both powerful and humorous. His style, with details such as the stone inlay for the eyes and the finesse with which the serpentine has been carved, makes him an artist to watch. He was elected to the Royal Academy of Canada (2003) and his works are in collections, including the National Gallery of Canada (Ottawa, ON), Government of Canada, University of British Columbia (Vancouver), and Winnipeg Art Gallery (MB).
With every artwork acquisition, you support Indigenous and Canadian artists, as well as La Guilde's programming.
