Joshim Kakegamic
Joshim Kakegamic, born in 1952 on the Sandy Lake Reserve in Northern Ontario, Canada, was a talented artist whose life and career were deeply intertwined with the world of Indigenous art and culture. He was profoundly influenced by his brother-in-law, Norval Morrisseau, a renowned Ojibwe artist, and fellow Cree artist, Carl Ray. Their mentorship ignited his passion for art and set him on a remarkable artistic journey.
During his formative years as a young artist, Joshim had the privilege of joining Carl Ray and Norval Morrisseau in conducting workshops at schools across the province. These experiences played a pivotal role in shaping his artistic vision. In 1969, he participated in a group exhibition in North Bay, marking the beginning of his public art career. Over the next few years, he showcased his artwork in various venues across northwestern Ontario.
Joshim Kakegamic's artistic journey took an important turn when he enrolled in a month-long workshop at Fanshawe College in London, Ontario. It was here that he discovered the possibilities offered by screen printing, which inspired him to explore new avenues for both himself and fellow artists to make a livelihood from their craft.
Upon returning to southern Ontario, he further honed his skills in screen printing techniques at Open Studio in Toronto. In 1973, with the collaborative efforts of his brothers Goyce and Henry, as well as his father David, he co-founded the Triple K Cooperative, a screen printing business based in Red Lake, Ontario. Modeled after Daphne Odjig's Indian Prints of Canada Ltd. Company, Triple K Cooperative became a trailblazing endeavor in the world of Indigenous art, reproducing prints of famous Native paintings, including those by Norval Morrisseau.
Joshim Kakegamic's artistic journey continued to flourish throughout the 1970s and 1980s. He participated in numerous exhibitions across Canada and even had the opportunity to display his work internationally, notably in group exhibitions in London, England, and Lahr, Germany. His commitment to Indigenous art and culture shone brightly through his creative expression.
Tragically, in 1993, Joshim Kakegamic's life was cut short while he bravely attempted to rescue a drowning individual. He was just 41 years old at the time, leaving behind a legacy as an artist, innovator, and advocate for Indigenous art and culture.
Joshim Kakegamic's artistic contributions and dedication to his craft, alongside his commitment to promoting Indigenous voices in the art world, continue to be remembered and celebrated by those who cherish his work and his profound impact on the Indigenous art community.
Selected Works
