2001
Cape Dorset Print Collection

Sarni Pootoogook

Sarni Pootoogook was born in 1922. She was the sister of the well-known Cape Dorset sculptor Pauta Saila. Her husband was the late Pudlat Pootoogook, son of the well-known camp leader and early graphic artist Pootoogook.

Like many Inuit of her generation, Sarni was attracted to the graphic arts during the early years of the printmaking program in Cape Dorset. Her work was represented in the 1964/65 and 1966 annual print collections; she has only recently returned after a long hiatus, no doubt preoccupied in the ensuing years by the distractions and demands of her growing family. Her work was included in the 2000 Spring Collection and the following year, Imaup Qimminga (2001-30) and Isiit (2001-31) were selected for the annual collection. In the 2003 annual colection, Sarni was represented by one print – Dancing Spirits (2003-28). This image is typical of her unique and enduring style; whimsical and yet graphically bold, with a strong sense of design and motif.

Sadly, this delightful image was Sarni's last; she passed away early in 2003.

— Dorset Fine Arts (reproduced with permission)