This gorgeous sculpture is a brilliant example of Peter Sevoga’s early classic style. Recognized as one of the leading lights of the Baker Lake sculptural aesthetic, Sevoga is most famous for his depictions of families; usually rendered as closely huddled, bulky figures, the sculptures beautifully balance considerable mass with surprising delicacy. Mother and Child, Waving is a simpler composition comprising just two figures. Sevoga’s trademark simple forms, with their sensuous curves and volumes, are especially light and airy here, with a special emphasis on dynamic movement. These qualities suit the subject matter: mother and son are perhaps excitedly greeting the father back from a hunting trip, or welcoming relatives to their camp.

References: For a contemporaneous and similarly styled graphite drawing by Kenojuak see Marion E. Jackson and Judith M. Nasby, Contemporary Inuit Drawings, (Guelph: Macdonald Stewart Art Centre, 1987), cat. 31, p. 63. For the still definitive study of the artist’s life and work see Jean Blodgett, Kenojuak, (Toronto: Firefly Books / Mintmark Press Ltd., 1985).