The Photography of Peter Pitseolak

Written By Guest User

On this day in 1973 Canadian Inuit artist, historian and photographer passed away. Pitseolak’s work was significant, as he was an Inuit man photographing his own culture through his own eyes as opposed to outsiders looking in. Outsiders often were guilty of spreading negative stereotypes of Inuit people, sometimes claiming that they were simple and passive. So he used photography and art to give him the power to communicate stories of his community and peoples traditions without a colonial worldview.

Aggeok and Udluriak Pitseolak with Mark Tapungai and Petalassie

Peter Pitseolak's wooden house and quarmak, circa 1940-1960

We found an incredible article titled “Arctic and Inuit Photography” written about him and photographer Robert J Flaherty in Inuit Art Quarterly, Volume 15, Number 3 Fall 2000, talking about his life, culture and processes behind his work. it is a fabulous read and we highly recommend taking a look.

Aggeok and Kooyoo Pitseolak

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