ART THOMPSON, NUU-CHAH-NULTH, Raven Transforming into Human, July 1997
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Description
ART THOMPSON (1948-2003) NUU-CHAH-NULTH
Raven Transforming into Human, July 1997
red cedar wood, acrylic paint, cedar bark, fur, and abalone, 15.5 x 28 x 26 in (39.4 x 71.1 x 66 cm)
closed, 15.5 x 59 x 6.75 in (39.4 x 149.9 x 17.1 cm) open;
signed, dated, and inscribed, "Thompson / July 1997 / Nitinat Lake / B.C.
ESTIMATE: $6,000 — $9,000
Provenance
Spirit Wrestler Gallery, Vancouver, accompanied by their gallery literature;
Acquired from the above by the present Private Collection, Texas.
Art Thompson created numerous transformation masks and at least two per year during the final decade of his life. This mask showcases his diverse talents in sculpture, design, and articulation. Thompson is considered one of the best designers of the modern era and was particularly known for his innate understanding of classic Nuu-chah-nulth forms as well as for his personal and contemporary contributions. His well-finished sculptures are complemented by detailed painting which folds and grips the carved surfaces with tension and dramatic effect.
Here, the two Ravens framing the blackened mouth (a feature to disguise the dancer and highlight the carved mask) and the flared Raven’s tail on the forehead of the internal human mask are examples of Thompson’s skill as a painter and his understanding of the power of masks as seen by firelight. Following the carving and detailed painting of the outer mask, he would perform the final cut, splitting the mask into two parts using a hand saw, a basic skill but one requiring both confidence and experience with the tool. His articulation was precise, and wires and pulleys were used to open and close the mask easily while being danced. It also needed to open and close many times properly when displayed on a wall.
The mask represents Raven disguised with goat fur and hints at his intention to transform. The internal painted designs flanking the human form show Raven with the box of daylight secured in its beak – a reference to the story of Raven stealing the light from the Sky Chief and then being forced to release it into the sky luminating the world. This is one of many stories of Raven traveling and meddling, stealing, and participating in the events that changed the world.
Gary Wyatt
Raven Transforming into Human, July 1997
red cedar wood, acrylic paint, cedar bark, fur, and abalone, 15.5 x 28 x 26 in (39.4 x 71.1 x 66 cm)
closed, 15.5 x 59 x 6.75 in (39.4 x 149.9 x 17.1 cm) open;
signed, dated, and inscribed, "Thompson / July 1997 / Nitinat Lake / B.C.
ESTIMATE: $6,000 — $9,000
Provenance
Spirit Wrestler Gallery, Vancouver, accompanied by their gallery literature;
Acquired from the above by the present Private Collection, Texas.
Art Thompson created numerous transformation masks and at least two per year during the final decade of his life. This mask showcases his diverse talents in sculpture, design, and articulation. Thompson is considered one of the best designers of the modern era and was particularly known for his innate understanding of classic Nuu-chah-nulth forms as well as for his personal and contemporary contributions. His well-finished sculptures are complemented by detailed painting which folds and grips the carved surfaces with tension and dramatic effect.
Here, the two Ravens framing the blackened mouth (a feature to disguise the dancer and highlight the carved mask) and the flared Raven’s tail on the forehead of the internal human mask are examples of Thompson’s skill as a painter and his understanding of the power of masks as seen by firelight. Following the carving and detailed painting of the outer mask, he would perform the final cut, splitting the mask into two parts using a hand saw, a basic skill but one requiring both confidence and experience with the tool. His articulation was precise, and wires and pulleys were used to open and close the mask easily while being danced. It also needed to open and close many times properly when displayed on a wall.
The mask represents Raven disguised with goat fur and hints at his intention to transform. The internal painted designs flanking the human form show Raven with the box of daylight secured in its beak – a reference to the story of Raven stealing the light from the Sky Chief and then being forced to release it into the sky luminating the world. This is one of many stories of Raven traveling and meddling, stealing, and participating in the events that changed the world.
Gary Wyatt
Condition
The absence of condition does not imply that an item is free from defects, nor does a reference to particular defects imply the absence of any others. Our team can provide thorough and comprehensive condition reports and additional images. We welcome your enquiries at info@firstarts.ca or 647-286-5012.
NOTE
Many countries prohibit or restrict importation or exportation of property containing ivory, whale bone, sealskin, and/or products derived from other endangered or protected species, and require special licenses or permits in order to import or export such property. It is the responsibility of the buyer to ensure that the item is properly and lawfully exported / imported.
NOTE
Many countries prohibit or restrict importation or exportation of property containing ivory, whale bone, sealskin, and/or products derived from other endangered or protected species, and require special licenses or permits in order to import or export such property. It is the responsibility of the buyer to ensure that the item is properly and lawfully exported / imported.
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ART THOMPSON, NUU-CHAH-NULTH, Raven Transforming into Human, July 1997
Estimate CA$6,000 - CA$9,000
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