Billy Merkosak
Born in 1966, Baffin Island, Nunavut
“It gives me great pride to connect the past and the present together through modern Inuit art”
Renowned Inuit artist primarily based in the community of Mittimatalik, also known as Pond Inlet, on
the northern edge of Baffin Island in Nunavut. Encouraged by his mother, Leah, Merkosak began drawing at the age of four and has since spent decades bridging the gap between ancestral knowledge and modern Inuit identity. His work is deeply informed by archaeological artifacts and the oral histories shared by community elders, allowing him to connect the past and present through a
versatile range of artistic media. While he is perhaps best known for his evocative whale bone carvings, Merkosak is also an accomplished sculptor in ivory, stone, marble and driftwood, as well as a skilled watercolor painter, printmaker and drum maker.
A defining element of Merkosak’s career is his mastery of mask-making, a specialized craft he shares
with only a few other contemporary Nunavut artists. His fascination with this form was fueled in part by his friendship with Robert McGhee, a curator of Arctic archaeology who discovered ancient life-sized wooden masks from the Palaeoeskimo Dorset culture. Merkosak channels the timeless qualities of these artifacts into his own signature masks, often using minimalist techniques that highlight the natural texture of the material. His designs frequently incorporate narrow slits for eyes and dotted lines on the cheeks and chin to signify traditional facial tattoos, creating an appearance that is both eerily powerful and historically grounded.
Beyond their aesthetic value, Merkosak views his masks as vital cultural tools for transmitting myths and stories to younger generations. Historically, these objects were used in shamanic practices to communicate with spirits or the deceased, while miniature versions served as protective amulets for children and adults. Merkosak’s commitment to his heritage is further evidenced by major public works, such as the 1998 commission for the Arctic Winter Games. For this project, he collaborated with artists Derrald Taylor and Robert Kussy to create the "Spirit of Pre-Dorset," a monumental sculpture crafted from a century-old bowhead whale skull.
Merkosak’s influence extends into his professional life outside of the arts, where he has applied
his leadership and cultural knowledge to roles such as a Native Special Constable for the RCMP and a Social Development Counsellor focused on suicide prevention.
His art, which is highly sought after by collectors and featured in prominent public and corporate collections, remains a primary vehicle for celebrating his lineage. Whether through a delicate watercolor or a massive whale bone carving, his work continues to serve as a bridge between the ancient traditions of the High Arctic and the contemporary lives of the Inuit people.
