Literature:
William Kurelek, The Last of the Arctic, 1976, page 82, reproduced page 83

In the latter part of his career, William Kurelek undertook to chronicle the different ethnic groups within Canada in several series of works. One of these focused on the Inuit, referred to as Eskimos at the time. In this fascinating scene, we see a single fisherman standing alone at a hole cut through the ice. Kurelek wrote, "After the cod has its flesh eaten, its soul will return to the lake, and enter the body of another fish, prepared to be caught again. The fisherman also believes that if he lays the fish in a circle around him, heads toward the hole, then he will always be in the midst of a school of fish." The image is serene, the feeling it evokes almost spiritual, and the composition and treatment of the figure recall the religious themes often found in Kurelek’s work. The overall white and grey palette is accented beautifully by the colour of the fisherman's parka and conveys a feeling of reverence, uplifting the fisherman from his state of cold loneliness to a state of dignified serenity.

William Kurelek was a celebrated Canadian artist known for his vivid, narrative paintings that explore themes of Prairie life, Ukrainian heritage, religious faith, and personal struggle. Born in Alberta and raised in Manitoba during the Great Depression, Kurelek drew heavily on his childhood experiences, rural landscapes, and immigrant roots to create some of the most iconic images in Canadian art.

Kurelek studied briefly in Canada and Mexico, but was largely self-taught. His time in England, including years spent in psychiatric hospitals and as a master framer, shaped both his technical skills and inner vision. By the 1960s, he had established himself as a major figure in Canadian art, with exhibitions across the country and works acquired by major institutions, including MoMA in New York.

Today, William Kurelek’s paintings are highly sought after by collectors and institutions alike. His legacy continues to resonate through his powerful storytelling and devotion to portraying Canadian life with honesty, complexity, and compassion.