Kolola, Mosesie

A prolific carver stone and ivory, Mosesie Kolola was known for intricate camp scenes and depictions of life on the land which is reflective of his own upbringing. His work appeared in many seminal exhibitions across Canada, including Grasp Tight the Old Ways: Selections from the Klamer Family Collection of Inuit Art at the Art Gallery of Ontario in 1983 that travelled nationally for two years. His work in stone such as Winter Camp (c. 1960-69) was distinctive for its high shine and smooth finish, with soft edges and undulating curves. He was also known for carefully incised walrus tusks that depicted human beings and arctic animals. In addition to his work as an artist, Kolola was also an active arts administrator and leader and was elected twice to the Board of Directors of Canadian Arctic Producers Co-operatives Ltd., first in 1974 and again in 1978. Kolola’s work is held in many public collections, including the National Gallery of Canada and the Canadian Museum of History.