127: Saimaiyu Akesuk

Radio Juxtapoz by The Unibrow

When you go to Miami each year, you are hoping to discover something new, something fresh, an artist that changes the way you look at the contemporary art landscape. For Radio Juxtapoz, we were able to go North while heading South, where we hosted a live panel conversation with Saimaiyu Akesuk, an Iqaluit born, Kinngait-based artist whose distinctive patterns and oil pastel animal drawings drew the eye of Canada Goose and the Canada Goose Art Collection.

Last week at the Canada Goose pop-up store in Miami's Design District, and in an evolution of its longstanding program, Canada Goose commissioned Saimaiyu to create three new print works, with proceeds from the sales of the works to benefit Inuit artists and communities across Canada. On the occasion,and on this episode of the Radio Juxtapoz podcast, Jux editor Evan Pricco spoke with Saimaiyu and Canada Goose Art Collection curator, Natalie MacNamara to discuss Saimaiyu's early influences in her community, her grandfather's lasting impression on her pastel drawings and the inspirations behind her birds and bears.

The Radio Juxtapoz podcast is hosted by FIFTH WALL TV's Doug Gillen and Juxtapoz editor, Evan Pricco. Episode 127 was recorded on December 7, 2023 at the Canada Goose pop-up in Miami. Follow us on @radiojuxtapoz