Lot 65
PETER ASSIVAARYUK (1914-d) QAMANI’TUAQ (BAKER LAKE)
Man with Outstretched Hands, c. early 1970s

antler, 16 x 6.75 x 5.5 in (40.6 x 17.1 x 14 cm)
unsigned.

Unlike with his older brother Luke Iksiktaaryuk, there is not much documentation on Peter Assivaaryuk. Indeed, because he has long flown under the radar, Assivaaryuk’s works are often misattributed to Iksiktaaryuk. It gives us great pleasure therefore to be able to present similar works by the two masters for the viewer to compare and contrast. Whereas Iksiktaaryuk’s artistic style is the epitome of restraint, Assivaaryuk’s style by comparison seems almost exuberant! His figures feature more curvilinear forms that are overtly expressive; he also gives rather greater attention to finish. Whereas Iksiktaaryuk’s subject seems prideful, this figure’s gesture gives the impression of being almost plaintive or beseeching. Having said that, perhaps it is no coincidence that these two sculptures still bear a strong family resemblance. We wonder whether the two brothers might have worked side by side, each somehow inspired by the other.

References

:For other human figures by the artist see George Swinton, Sculpture of the Inuit (McClelland & Stewart, 1972/92), fig. 688; and Sanavik Cooperative, Baker Lake Sculpture 1974 (Baker Lake: Sanavik Cooperative, 1974), front cover and p. 10.