Pangnirtung Tapestries are characterized by a unique collaboration between artist and weaver. The images used in the tapestries begin as drawings commissioned from local artists. These are interpreted by the weaver, who will select the size, colour and composition of the image as it will be expressed in wool fibre. The weaver may refer back to the artist for confirmation, but will make the critical artistic choices which will determine the final appearance of the tapestry.

Woven Tapestry
Approx. 35 x 34.5"

Joel Maniapik is an artist and printmaker from Pangnirtung, NU. Maniapik cites his father, local artists and comic books as influences that led him to his own artistic practice.
Maniapik started drawing with pencil before moving onto coloured pencil and watercolours. He has taken woodblock printing, watercolour painting, pastel and oil work workshops offered to grow his practice. Maniapik's work has also been transformed into tapestries. His work is featured in the 2018 Pangnirtung Print Collection. Maniapik has also appeared multiple times in the Inuit Art Quarterly.

Geela Keenainak of Pangnirtung began the art of weaving in 1981, making small sashes to put on women’s parkas. In the next 21 years, she became a master at the loom, weaving images of animals and landscapes onto large wall hangings.