LATCHOLASSIE AKESUK (1919-2000) KINNGAIT (CAPE DORSET)
unsigned.
Further images
Latcholassie Akesuk, one of the most beloved of Cape Dorset sculptors, is justly famous for his charming and humorous depictions of owls. Latcholassie gives his subjects personality and charm. His sculpture does not rely upon naturalistic detail, but instead focuses on the quirks of the subjects pose or expression. Owls’ wings, legs, and claws often look more like human appendages. Latcholassie did not only carve owls, however. We know of several examples of seals by the artist, but we have noticed that they tend to exhibit a higher degree of naturalism than his owl subjects. This incredibly charming Lounging Seal is an exception. Latcholassie has taken great liberties with the animal’s proportions and pose; we doubt that any actual seal could adopt this pose. The lower end of the figure, in particular, seems to sprout a pair of human legs!