At Tasirtuq Tupik Hotel

Description

‘At Tasirtuq Tupik Hotel’ by Shuvinai Ashoona is a 2025 Cape Dorset original coloured pencil and felt‑pen drawing on paper — a whimsical family portrait where human and walrus figures coexist tenderly inside a summer tent, their infant walrus gently petting a rabbit, in a scene that blurs myth, humor, and domestic affection.

Condition:          No condition noted. Paper surface appears clean and stable.

Description by Artist:     No description by artist found.

Notes from DaVic Gallery:   Before stepping into the fantastical world shown here, it helps to understand how effortlessly Shuvinai Ashoona blends traditional Arctic life with brilliant, dreamlike imagination. A tupik is a traditional Inuit summer tent made of sealskin or canvas, built to welcome the return of warmer weather. By calling this cozy shelter a ‘hotel,’ Ashoona injects her signature modern wit into the scene, playfully comparing a classic seasonal camp to a bustling modern-day lodge where travelers from all walks of life come together to rest.

In ‘At Tasirtuq Tupik Hotel,’ Ashoona gives us a rare look at a truly extraordinary family gathering. The large vertical composition centers on a smiling human woman wearing a beautifully detailed floral headscarf, standing proudly alongside her walrus husband. At her feet, their small infant walrus child sports a bright blue parka, leaning down to gently pet a rabbit that is delightfully dressed in its own human winter clothing. The entire group is brought together inside the golden interior of the tent, bathed in a warm summer glow that makes the scene feel incredibly safe and inviting.

The real magic of this original drawing comes from Ashoona’s unmatched ability to show deep family love across different species. While the subject is wonderfully strange and surreal, the emotions feel completely real and grounded. The gentle way the mother’s hand rests on her child’s shoulder, the soft expressions in everyone’s eyes, and the careful precision used to draw the walrus tusks and whiskers create a feeling of pure domestic comfort. It is a stunning narrative piece that celebrates family bonds, proving that love and connection belong to everyone, no matter their form.

Large-format original drawings that highlight Shuvinai Ashoona’s world-famous surrealist style are highly prized by major museums and top art collectors worldwide. This exceptional artwork offers a rare opportunity to own a centerpiece from her 2025 collection, beautifully showcasing the playful spirit, warm heart, and unbound imagination that makes contemporary Inuit art so exciting.

The blank sheet of letter-size (8 ½ x 11 inches) paper visible in the final reference image provides immediate size context, highlighting the drawing’s impressive height, grand vertical proportions, and substantial visual presence.

Copyright note:

© DaVic Art Gallery, 2026. All rights reserved. Content may be quoted or reproduced for educational or promotional purposes only with clear attribution to DaVic Art Gallery of Native Canadian Arts and inclusion of the artwork title and artist’s name.