Instructing Shaman Helper

Description

Piona Keyuakjuk’s work was first featured in the 2010 collection. This year he has two prints, which again reflect his shaman roots. His work narrates the stories he heard about his family when he was growing up out on the land. In the vivid blue print, Instructing Shaman Helper, he portrays his great-great-grandfather, who is instructing the bird on how to find animals. The bird, thus empowered, would be able to show hunters where to find food. In the dramatic black-and-white relief print, Piona’s grandmother rewards the hunter for a successful hunt. Otherworldly creatures witness the reward, again alluding to Piona’s interest in shamanism and the supernatural.