JOHN PANGNARK (1920-1980) ARVIAT (ESKIMO POINT)
Figure, early 1970s
stone, 4.5 x 4.75 x 1.25 in (11.4 x 12.1 x 3.2 cm)
unsigned.

Provenance
Private Collection, Santa Fe, NM.

Pangnark’s gift was the ability to animate a shard of stone using the most extreme economy of means available: minimalist abstraction. The artist’s works from the late 1960s were still relatively “naturalistic” but by the early 1970s Pangnark took abstraction as far as he knew how, while still conforming to the idea of representing the human figure. “Suggesting” or “hinting at” the human figure might be more accurate terms to describe the results. This Figure is a particularly elegant small example of the artist’s classic abstract style. We love the way Pangnark exaggerates the shape of the nose to form a delicate, sensuous ridge, quite lovely for its own sake. It’s a brilliant touch that recalls Paul Klee’s observation that drawing was “taking a line for a walk.”

References: Despite the fact that Pangnark’s work is widely illustrated It is often difficult to find direct comparisons for his sculptures. For other examples by the artist, see George Swinton, Sculpture of the Inuit, (Toronto: McClelland & Stewart, 1972), figs. 615-624, p. 210-211.