25+ Ways Inuit Artists Have Historically Used Pantone's Colour of the Year

When Pantone picked Classic Blue as the Colour of the Year for 2020, they described it as timeless, elegant, restful and comfortable, a “stable foundation” on which to build. Perhaps that’s why Inuit artists have so often used this hue as a backdrop in their works over the years, a stand-in for the comfort offered by the clear blue of sky, sea and ice.

Check out these stunning blue works that show how artists have used this classic colour in imaginative ways.




Tim Pitsiulak Arvik/Bowhead Whale (2009) Serigraph 34 x 29.5 Copyright Dorset Fine Arts 





Padloo Samayualie Leaving Yellowknife, Heading to Calgary (2016) Coloured pencil, graphite and ink 23 x 30 in. Courtesy Feheley Fine Arts Reproduced with Permission Dorset Fine Arts





Passa Mangiuk Convergence North/South (2018) linocut 39 x 66 ⅛ in. Courtesy Feheley Fine Arts





Sheojuk Etidlooie Blue Bird (1977) Etching/aquatint Copyright Dorset Fine Arts





Leetia Alivaktuk Bowhead Whales Near Pangnirtung (2018) Linocut 14 x 19.5 in. Courtesy Uqqurmiut Centre for Arts & Crafts





Tim Alivaktuk Tagging Along (2018) Stonecut 52 x 31cm Courtesy Uqqurmiut Centre for Arts & Crafts





Peggy Andersen Simple Mitts (2017) Sealskin, moosehide and beaver Courtesy the artist 





Kenojuak Ashevak Nunavut (Our Land) (1992) lithograph 230 x 370.5 cm Copyright DORSET FINE ARTS





Unknown Wall hanging (1990) Wool, acrylic and cotton 33 x 46.5 cm Courtesy Canadian Museum of History





Heather Campbell Jellyfish #2 (2014) Pen and ink 16 x 20 in. Courtesy the artist





Papiara Tukiki Iqalukjuat (Blue Sharks) (2011) Stonecut 11 x 25 in Copyright Dorset Fine Arts





Kingmeata Etidlooie Hunter’s Dream (1988) Lithograph 55 x 76 cm Copyright Dorset Fine Arts





Gilbert Hay Natural Gas (1991) Steatite, multi-coloured grey/agate blue/coloured gems from the Banff area 23.5 X 16.0 X 6.0 in. Courtesy McMichael Canadian Art Collection





Inuk 360 Sealskin Earrings (2018) Courtesy Indigenous Fashion Week Toronto





Janet Kigusiuq Blue Fish (1999) Courtesy the artist





Joe Talirunili Shipwreck (1968) Stonecut 13.75 x 21.5 in. Courtesy Galerie Elca London 





Kablusiak Carrying in Groceries (2019) Courtesy the artist





Kananginak Pootoogook Bears on Blue Ice (2004) Stonecut and stencil 43.7 x 62 in Copyright Dorset Fine Arts





Annie Kilabuk Whalehunt in Kayak (2000) Etching 15 x 22 ¼ in Courtesy Uqqurmiut Centre for Arts & Crafts





Laisa Audlaluk-Watsko Untitled (2019) Digital Photograph Courtesy the artist





Nicotye Samayualie Lots of Cotton Flowers (2013) Coloured pencil and pen Copyright Dorset Fine Arts





Niviaksiak Polar Bear and Cub in Ice (1959) Stencil 24.4 x 48.3 cm Copyright Dorset Fine Arts






Eva Talooki Aliktilik Mother and Child (1993) (L) Figure (1994) (R) Stone and glass beads





Janet Nungnik Son-in-Laws (2002) wool felt, embroidery floss, beadwork on wool duffel 17 x 28.5 in. Courtesy Marion Scott Gallery





Qabaroak Qatsiya Two Men Discussing Coming Hunt (1961) Stencil 50.8 x 63.6 cm Copyright Dorset Fine Arts





Ningiukuluk Teevee Glittering Walrus (2019) Etching, Aquatint and Hand Colouring 78 x 121 cm Copyright Dorset Fine Arts





Victoria Kakuktinniq ATUAT | ᐊᑐᐊᑦ (2019) Polyester, cotton, sealskin and fox fur Courtesy the artist