Lot 64
LUKE IKSIKTAARYUK (1909-1977) QAMANI’TUAQ (BAKER LAKE)
Standing Man, early 1970s

antler and metal pins, 10.5 x 4.5 x 6 in (26.7 x 11.4 x 15.2 cm)
unsigned;
given to the artist as "IKSIKATAAUJUE" to the accompanying igloo tag.

Although he likely started carving caribou antler birds, Iksiktaaryuk is best known for his depictions of the human figure. Whether with solitary figures or in his remarkable drum dance compositions, Iksiktaaryuk’s mastery of the antler medium is truly spectacular. One senses that his subjects already existed within the raw antler, waiting only for Iksiktaaryuk to release them. Somehow, with an almost parsimonious amount of carving and a judicious eye, the artist used a minimum of flourish to create figures that are full of emotion. This Standing Man is cool yet expressive and has a real sculptural presence. We love how Iksiktaaryuk, rather than trying to disguise his joinery, favoured the use of nails staying in full view. In many cases, less truly is more!

References

See the section on the artist in Norman Zepp, Pure Vision: The Keewatin Spirit (Regina: Norman Mackenzie Art Gallery, 1986), pp. 130-139. For other standing figures by Iksiktaaryuk see the Art Gallery of Ontario exhibition catalogue, The People Within (Toronto, 1976). For other fine works by the artist see First Arts Auctions, July 2020, Lots 21,91; and First Arts, December 2020, Lots 109, 138. See also George Swinton, Sculpture of the Inuit (McClelland & Stewart, 1972/92), figs. 687,689; Darlene Coward Wight, The Faye and Bert Settler Collection (Winnipeg: Winnipeg Art Gallery, 2004), p. 62; and Marion Scott Gallery, Inspiration: Four Decades of Sculpture by Canadian Inuit (Vancouver, 1995), cat. 56.