Victor Ekootak

Victor Ekootak was a graphic artist based in Ulukhaktok (Holman), NT. He settled with his family in Ulukhaktok in the early 1960s where he also became a founding member of the Holman Eskimo Co-operative (which later became the Ulukhaktok Arts Centre) in 1961, alongside Father Henri Tardy. Up until his death in 1966, Ekootak was very active in the artistic community; he was part of a group of artists in the Co-operative who developed the first annual Holman Print Collection of 30 limited edition prints in 1965. Along with Helen Kalvak, Jimmy Memorana, Harry Egotak, and William Kagyut, the collective utilized various printmaking techniques and created eye-catching works, which were well received in the by art audiences. Twelve of Ekootak’s prints were showcased between 1965 and 1966. Ekootak was also an accomplished carver, a skill he was able to bring to stonecut printmaking.

Many of Ekootak’s prints have been on display at public institutions like the Winnipeg Art Gallery including River Fishing (1965); a black and white stonecut on paper that features a fishing weir (or trap) of stone that was constructed to catch fish in shallow streams [1]. The print captures a group of figures standing at the water’s edge with spears raised, ready to catch the first fish that appears.