Victor Ekootak

Saskatchewan NAC Auction House Biography and Notes

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 by art audiences. Twelve of Ekootak's prints were showcased between 1965 and 1966. He was also an accomplished carver, a skill he was able to bring to stonecut printmaking.