HATTIE (HAQPI) AKILAK (1938-2010) QAMANI'TUAQ (BAKER LAKE), Alert Dog, c. early-mid 1960s

HATTIE (HAQPI) AKILAK (1938-2010) QAMANI'TUAQ (BAKER LAKE)

Alert Dog, c. early-mid 1960s

stone, 2.5 x 4.75 x 1.5 in (6.3 x 12.1 x 3.8 cm)
signed, "ᐊᑭᓚ".

LOT 24
ESTIMATE: $400 — $600

Hattie (Haqpi) Akilak was born in a camp near Aberdeen Lake. In the face of starvation, she relocated first to Rankin Inlet, and later to Baker Lake. Best known as...

Hattie (Haqpi) Akilak was born in a camp near Aberdeen Lake. In the face of starvation, she relocated first to Rankin Inlet, and later to Baker Lake. Best known as a talented seamstress and printmaker, she also produced sculpture, and at least two works from a similar vintage are recorded, including the closely related Animal in the Winnipeg Art Gallery (Collection of the Winnipeg Art Gallery; Twomey Collection, with appreciation to the Province of Manitoba and Government of Canada, 700.71). Another example is held by the Art Gallery of Ontario.

In the present Alert Dog, everything about this pup reads as ready: the head reaches forward with the muzzle aimed like a pointer, and the neck holds a taut, unbroken line into the back, as if he has caught a sense just beyond the edge of the scene. The body stays lean and streamlined, with no slack in the silhouette. His legs, ears, and tail all come to decided points, emphasizing readiness, so even at rest he feels prepared to spring, pivot, or bolt, held in place by nothing but attention.

Provenance

Collection of John & Joyce Price, Seattle, WA.

Inquire

Artworks

JOIN

Cookie preferences

Join our mailing list