Vintage Inuit 2020

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artist possibly Judas Ooloolah, "2. Owl," ca, 1980, Taloyoak, NU, pyroxine, ivory, 7” x 8” x 5”

Vintage Inuit features a stellar collection of art works from as early as the 1960s, up to the 1990s.

This time frame was a fertile period in Inuit art, sparked by a growing demand from the southern market.  In the 1960s many small scale sculptures were created but in the 1970s and 1980s the scale of Inuit art began to increase, coinciding with access to better tools and new quarrying skills that allowed the artists to work with harder stones.

Looking at this collection you can trace the changes that have taken place in Inuit sculpture over the decades.  Though the methods and some of the subjects have changed you will find amazing detail and unique vision in these pieces.  Most of the work in this year's collection are on the smaller side, presenting fewer obstacles to the space-challenged collector.  One major exception is the magnificent standing woman by Peter Sevoga.

Among the choices in this collection are works by favorite artists including John Pangnark and Andy Miki, two figures by John Kavik, a seated figure by Toona Iquliq, and an unusual carving of a bird by Barnabas Arnasungaaq. There are also other wonderful birds, bears, and muskox, as well as an igloo with a highly detailed interior scene, Inuit implements such as a bone knife and a sewing kit, hunters, female figures such as Mary Padlayat’s Woman Stretching Hide and beautiful images of classic mother and child carvings. 

All works available immediately.

Viewing in the gallery by appointment from 11 - 5pm, Monday to Saturday.