I am honoured to present this second exhibition of works from the collection of John & Joyce Price. Whereas the first exhibition offered an eclectic mix of drawings, graphics, and textiles, the focus of this exhibition is on sculptural works. There was no specific theme in mind when I was selecting the works as I wanted to mirror the eclectic tastes of the collectors. I also decided to concentrate on smaller works which would be more accessible to the next generation of Inuit art collectors.
There was no attempt to make this an encyclopedic survey exhibition representing a cross section of communities and works produced over a span of many decades. It was more a case of "ooh, I like this! Let's add it to the group". As a result, with some lovely exceptions, there is a decided Arviat and Cape Dorset bias to the selection, with some Baker Lake, Hall Beach, Iqaluit, & Repulse Bay works for good measure.
To prove that good things come in small packages, there are several small sculptures by personal favourites Eva Talooki Aliktiluk and Silas Kayakjuak. There are also wonderful depictions of arctic fauna including an excellent palm sized muskox by Mark Tungilik and two magnificent birds by Kenojuak Ashevak and Lukta Qiatsuk. The dramatic Two Bears Fighting by Andy Mamgark is one of the finest works by the artist extant.
There is an interesting melange of works depicting shamanism and transformation ranging from a traditional take by the late Quanak Mikkigak to more modern approaches by the late Isaaci Etidloie, Samonie Toonoo, and my personal favourite by the late Kellypalik Qimirpik of a spirit figure holding a joint above his head. The expression is priceless!
The human figure is proudly represented by a charming small Qaunaq Mikkigak as well as two small and powerful works by the late great Oviloo Tunnillie. The aforementioned stone and bead works by Eva Talooki Aliktiluk and caribou antler compositions by Silas Qayakjuak are particularly charming as is the rather diminutive Inuk with Axe by the often overlooked Baker Lake master David Iqutaaq.
Rounding out the mix are a spectacular objet by noted sculptor and jeweller Ruben Anton Komagapik entitled Bones of Kayak and a fabulous assemblage of a sewing machine by Jamasee Pitseolak. Fashioned from Sterling silver and jasper stone, this kayak functions as both a table sculpture when placed atop the stone base as well as a dramatically supersized brooch when removed from the stone support. The Jamasee Sewing Machine is comprised of a multitude of intricately carved pieces of contrasting stone and antler. This is truly an amazing example of this artist's oeuvre.
I hope you enjoy viewing this exhibition as much as I enjoyed putting it together!
