The Enchanted Owl

Kenojuak Ashevak

Brooklyn Museum photograph

Object Label

Kenojuak Ashevak’s drawings and prints feature fantastical creatures and bold colors and forms. This captivating image of an arctic owl was among the first prints produced by the West Baffin Eskimo Cooperative. It quickly became a Canadian icon, and in 1970 the print was chosen for the country’s commemorative stamp.

Caption

Kenojuak Ashevak Inuit, 1927–2013. The Enchanted Owl, 1960. Stone cut on paper, Sheet: 21 1/8 x 26 in. (53.7 x 66 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of George Klauber, 1998.122. © artist or artist's estate (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 1998.122_PS1.jpg)

Gallery

Not on view

Title

The Enchanted Owl

Date

1960

Medium

Stone cut on paper

Classification

Print

Dimensions

Sheet: 21 1/8 x 26 in. (53.7 x 66 cm)

Signatures

Signed, lower right in graphite: "Kenojuak"

Inscriptions

Inscribed across lower edge, from left to right in graphite: "The Enchanted Owl. Stone Cut 2/50. Cape Dorset Baffin Island 1960. Kenojuak"

Markings

Lower right, vertical: Cape Dorset printer’s mark

Credit Line

Gift of George Klauber

Accession Number

1998.122

Rights

© artist or artist's estate

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Frequent Art Questions

  • Can you tell me about this?

    Kenojuak Ashevak was constantly inspired by her experiences and memories of the Arctic as well as her own fantasies and imagination. Owls and other birds are a recurring motif.
    Mesmerizing!
    I agree—the way she uses color is so beautiful.
  • I read her story. Very touching! I love the color here.

    Yes, Kenojuak Ashevak is known for her bright colors. Later, she moved from stone printing into other techniques and eventually added sculpture and stained glass to her work, all in a bold graphic style that still favored images of birds.

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