We are enormously pleased to present our Spring 2024 auction catalogue, featuring a remarkable collection of art created by North American Indigenous artists. For months we have worked with these extraordinary pieces, embracing the opportunity to delve deeply into their stories and significance. It is with great pride that we now offer them for your discerning consideration. This sale, featuring 146 lots, offers a wide range of outstanding works.
We are delighted to spotlight the rare and exquisite Bird Cane by the legendary Charles Edenshaw from the late 19th century, featured in the landmark Vancouver Art Gallery Edenshaw traveling exhibition and catalogue. Other standout historical Northwest Coast pieces include a fine and enigmatic Nuu-chah-nulth figure from c. 1880, which was featured in Bill Holm’s 1983 The Box of Daylight exhibition, Paul Jones’s monumental argillite model pole, and numerous other very fine works in argillite and wood from various traditions.
We are pleased to offer several works by Kenojuak Ashevak, including a fine 1961 graphite drawing and two famous early prints: her lovely and graceful Birds from the Sea, and the fabulous The Arrival of the Sun, the print featured in the 1963 Oscar-nominated documentary Eskimo Artist: Kenojuak that catapulted Kenojuak Ashevak to stardom. We are also thrilled to showcase a selection of works by another revered figure in Inuit graphic art, Jessie Oonark, including the important coloured pencil original drawing for her print Kiviuk and the Grizzly.
Northwest Coast modern and contemporary highlights include Bill Reid's sumptuous Grizzly Medallion and Chain from 1972/1988, which exemplifies the artist's mastery in reimagining Haida tradition with modern techniques. Truly impressive is Beau Dick's large and remarkable Ba̱k’wa̱s (Bookwus) Mask with Articulated Skeletal Figure. In the best Kwakwa̱ka̱ʼwakw tradition, this work captures the drama of cultural dances with its visceral energy, striking features, and intricate carving. Two modern argillite works by artists who continue to contribute to the cultural legacy of Haida Gwaii are Gary Minaker-Russ's exceptional Pole No. 29, and Christian White's captivating Sǥaan (Supernatural Being).
Inuit sculptural highlights include a large and iconic Migration Boat by Joe Talirunili, accompanied by photos of the artist at work on this piece as well as his own illustrated syllabic narrative. Manasie Akpaliapik's stunning Bird Shaman was a highlight of his 1990 Winnipeg Art Gallery solo show and is featured on our catalogue's cover. A group of exceptional works by Netsilik artists, all of them published in the Winnipeg Art Gallery’s Netsilik catalogue, include Judas Ullulaq’s captivating The Shaman Who Could Fly and important works by Nelson Takkiruq and Charlie Ugyuk. We are also proud to present Karoo Ashevak's fresh-to-market Spirit with Eggs, a compelling and impressively tall work from c. 1972.
Important two-dimensional works by First Nations and Métis artists include The Caller, a lovely 1972 gouache on paper by Alex Janvier, a potent mixed media work by Bob Boyer, Robert Houle’s striking abstract portrait Afternoon with Rebecca, and Norval Morrisseau's Bear, Owl, and Birds, a striking example of his late 1990s work.
Highlights by contemporary Alaskan artists are Jim Schoppert's innovative and dynamic Seal Dancer Spirit Drum and Larry Ahvakana’s sensitive and harmonious Anatkut At Winter Ceremonial Calling Seal Helping Spirit.
We invite you to explore and appreciate the profound cultural significance, artistic excellence, and historic relevance of these works, each a testament to the enduring spirit and creativity of Indigenous peoples across North America. We welcome your inquiries and are eager to discuss the remarkable works featured in this sale. Please feel free to reach out to us.
INGO HESSEL |
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613-818-2100 |
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INGO@FIRSTARTS.CA |
NADINE DI MONTE |
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647-286-5012 |
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INFO@FIRSTARTS.CA |
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Putting together an auction is a complicated endeavour and it is with deep gratitude that we acknowledge the many individuals who have played a pivotal role in bringing this season’s offering to fruition.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our consultants, Christopher W. Smith, Steven C. Brown, Gary Wyatt, Christopher T. Green, and Mark Cheetham, whose expertise and generosity have enriched this catalogue immeasurably. Their dedication to their craft and willingness to share their knowledge have been invaluable to our team. Appreciation also goes to Lisa Koperqualuk and Sandra Barz for their insights and information.
Our gratitude extends to the staff and team at A.H. Wilkens, whose commitment and enthusiasm are what make our auction previews a vibrant and welcoming space for art lovers and collectors alike.
We are thankful as always to Colleen Clancy and Dieter Hessel of Heliographics Studio for their tireless efforts, patience, and discerning eye. Their design and photography skills are unmatched and help make our published catalogues each season collector’s items in their own right.
Above all, we extend our deepest gratitude to the consignors and collectors who have placed their trust in us and supported our business. Your passion for art and belief in our vision make our dream jobs possible and inspire us to continue curating exceptional offerings for your consideration. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey and for sharing in the celebration of Indigenous art and culture.
Ingo, Nadine, Ashley, Mark, and Pat