Mathew Aqigaaq was recognized as an important sculptor while still in his twenties; three of his works from the mid-1960s were included in the famous Sculpture/Inuit international touring exhibition of 1971-73 (and none by Arnasungaaq and Sevoga). Interestingly, Aqigaaq was somewhat of a traditionalist, despite his young age. Proud of his style and confident of his working methods, he did not make the switch to power tools when they became popular.

Two Men Fighting is absolutely one of Aqigaaq’s masterpieces. A very large and impressive work from c. 1970, it proves that the artist was already at the height of his powers just as the visual arts were beginning to blossom in the community, cementing his place as a leader of the “Baker Lake School” of sculpture. Its massive bulk is accentuated by its compact, robust form and the bulging, convex shapes of the two figures. The scene does not feel particularly violent; were it not for the club being wielded by one of the men, it might be mistaken for an image of a father and son playing. Awesome.