LUKE IKSIKTAARYUK (1909-1977) QAMANI’TUAQ (BAKER LAKE), Four Walking Figures, 1973

While Luke Anowtalik of Arviat is easily the greatest practitioner of whimsical folk art-style antler constructions (see Lot 16), Luke Iksiktaaryuk is the most important artist to use antler for its expressive power as a material. Since his first carvings in the mid 1960s (see First Arts, Toronto, 14 June 2022, Lot 1 for a superb early work), Iksiktaaryuk worked exclusively in caribou antler. His style is reductive, even minimalist; his antler sculptures possess a stripped-down, primal quality that prompted Norman Zepp to include the artist in his landmark Pure Vision exhibition of 1986. Iksiktaaryuk carved human figures almost exclusively, in various configurations: single figures (often standing or flying shamans), small groups standing or walking, and drum dance scenes.

Iksiktaaryuk’s stark figures exude a solemnity and spirituality that is very moving. Each of the four Walking Figures in particular, reminds us of similar, usually single, walking figures by the Swiss artist Alberto Giacometti, whose sculpture is often described as “existentialist.” Seen together as a group, however, Walking Figures likely takes on a different if yet enigmatic meaning. The figures’ exaggerated long strides suggest great purpose - unified purpose - or perhaps great urgency. (We note that at one point this sculpture was given the title Difficult Journey.) One can almost hear them marching along in perfect step with each other. Their rhythm and energy make this one of Iksiktaaryuk’s most compelling images.

Even though Iksiktaaryuk was known to work with the natural shapes of antler as much as possible, with Walking Figures he took great pains to shape each figure. And as always, each of the four faces is highly expressive.

References: For a similarly themed work by the artist see Winnipeg Art Gallery, The Zazelenchuk Collection of Eskimo Art, (Winnipeg: Winnipeg Art Gallery, 1978), cat. 13; See also see Gerald McMaster, ed., Inuit Modern: The Samuel and Esther Sarick Collection, (Toronto: Art Gallery of Ontario, 2010), p. 133; see also Art Gallery of Ontario, The People Within, (Toronto: Art Gallery of Ontario, 1976), cats. 78, 89; For a very similar composition see Walker’s Auctions, Ottawa, Nov. 2016, Lot 40. For major works and a discussion of the artist see Norman Zepp, Pure Vision: The Keewatin Spirit, (Regina: Norman Mackenzie Art Gallery, 1986), pp. 48-51 and 130-139.

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