Bidspirit auction | Jessie Oonark (Canadian, 1906-1985) WFUNA

Jessie Oonark (Canadian, 1906-1985) WFUNA First Day Cover & Limited Edition Print for UN Habitat Conference, 1976 (No. 367/1000) - A scarce World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA) first day cover and commemorative print designed by Jessie Oonark, RCA, created in 1976 to mark the United Nations Conference on Human Settlements (HABITAT). The work features Oonark’s signature stylized Inuit figures in vibrant pencil crayon, arranged in a circular motif celebrating community and unity. Issued in a numbered edition of 1000, this example is hand-numbered 367/1000 and includes an affixed UN 13 cents stamp with First Day of Issue cancellation (May 28, 1976, New York). Complete with the original WFUNA presentation folder and accompanying typescript press release detailing Jessie Oonark’s contribution, her recognition as a member of the Royal Canadian Academy of Arts, and her international acclaim for her vivid depictions of Inuit life and traditions. Dimensions: Print sheet approx. 11 x 8.5 in. (28 x 21.5 cm). Provenance: Schoeler Collection, Montreal. Notes: Jessie Oonark (1906-1985), born in Baker Lake, Northwest Territories, is one of the most celebrated Inuit artists of the 20th century. Her work is held in the National Gallery of Canada, the Winnipeg Art Gallery, and the National Arts Centre in Ottawa, among others.