Tukiki Manomie

Tukiki Manomie

In Memoriam –

(1952 – 2017) | Cape Dorset, Nunavut, Canada

Tukiki Manomie was born December 10, 1952 in Hamilton, Ontario.  He soon returned to his family’s community of Cape Dorset.   His artistic parents are Davidee Munnumi and Paunichea.  Paunichea is known for her whimsical portrayals of arctic wildlife including birds. She is the daughter of renowned first generation graphic artist, master storyteller, hunter and carver Kiakshuk.  Tukiki’s parents both drew and carved as did his grandfather Kiakshuk and uncle Lukta Qiatsuk.   There were many opportunities growing up for Tukiki to observe his creative family.  His grandfather Kiakshuk was full of stories and songs of the Inuit way of life.  His brothers are master carver Aqsangajuk Shaa, RCA, and talented artist and master printmaker Qavavau Manumie.  His son Quaraq Nungusuituq and nephews Pudlalik Shaa and Alariaq Shaa are also carvers.

Tukiki has lived in a few communities in his life including Kimmirut.  He has pursued jewellery making and drawing in the past and also enjoyed printmaking.  He is best known for his transformation and bird carvings.  He is a unique carver with a profound understanding of positive and negative space.    His arctic wildlife carvings represent the many connections in the natural world.  Companionship is deeply felt in his long necked bird sculptures.   Tukiki’s work is well balanced and imaginative.  Spirits carved out of stone like a wolf, goose or bird show his respect for the supernatural.  Tukiki’s appreciation for his history and community are reflected in his art.  His works have been shown in galleries since 1976 and can be found in Canada, the USA and Europe.