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Artworks
ABRAHAM ANGHIK RUBEN, O.C. (1951-) PAULATUK / SALT SPRING ISLAND, B.C
Shaman-Bird Transformation, mid-late 1980sstone, antler, ivory and black inlay, 14.25 x 12.75 x 7 in (36.2 x 32.4 x 17.8 cm)
unsigned.
LOT 64
ESTIMATE: $5,000 — $8,000Further images
Born in the Inuvialuit community of Paulatuk, Abraham Anghik Ruben, like his brother David Piqtoukun Ruben, chose to reside in southern Canada where he lives in British Columbia. With numerous...Born in the Inuvialuit community of Paulatuk, Abraham Anghik Ruben, like his brother David Piqtoukun Ruben, chose to reside in southern Canada where he lives in British Columbia. With numerous solo public exhibitions, including one at the Winnipeg Art Gallery, Anghik is one of the most celebrated of contemporary Inuit sculptors. He uses many different materials for his abstracted yet often quite detailed sculptures, but favours Brazilian soapstone. Shaman-Bird Transformation, a masterful early work by the artist, which is made from that stone and accentuated with antler inlay, depicts a shamanic transformation brilliantly. The human side is almost serene, with the face of a woman above two abstract qulliq-shaped forms that look almost like lungs which give her the breath to chant her song. In contrast, the other side of the sculpture is swirling with energy, the stylized feathers and animated head of the bird carved in strong detail in a brilliant circular composition. There is no “A-side” and “B-side” to this fantastic work; like the best LPs, it needs to be enjoyed in its entirety.Provenance
Private Collection, Toronto.