Matthew Flaherty is a talented Inuk artist born on February 13, 1998, in Iqaluit, Nunavut. Although not from a family of artists, Flaherty began carving at a young age, creating his first sculpture at just seven years old. This early carving—a polar bear—foreshadowed his lifelong connection to the animal and its representation in his art. His skill is largely self-taught, but he was influenced by prominent Inuit artist Looty Pijamini from Grise Fiord, the northernmost public community in Canada where Flaherty grew up.
In 2019, Flaherty moved to Kinngait (formerly Cape Dorset), known for its rich artistic community. There, he honed his sculpting techniques further under the guidance of renowned local artists. His artwork primarily focuses on Arctic wildlife, with polar bears and wolves being recurring subjects. Despite his young age, Flaherty has gained significant recognition in the Inuit art scene.
