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Artworks
HENRY EVALUARDJUK (1923-2007) IQALUIT (FROBISHER BAY)
Dancing Bear, mid-late 1970sstone, 11.5 x 8.25 x 4.75 in (29.2 x 21 x 12.1 cm)
signed, "HENRY / ᐃᕙᓗ ᐊᔪ".Further images
Henry Evaluardjuk and Pauta Saila (see Lot 38) were arguably the finest Inuit carvers of polar bears, with the former renowned for his naturalistic portrayals and the latter for his...Henry Evaluardjuk and Pauta Saila (see Lot 38) were arguably the finest Inuit carvers of polar bears, with the former renowned for his naturalistic portrayals and the latter for his idealized ones. Henry bears are based on a keen observation of the animal in all stages of life and in all manner of poses (but especially striding or stalking poses). This delightful Dancing Bear breaks somewhat from Henry’s customary approach in that it is decidedly anthropomorphic and even comical. The depiction of a less than sure-footed ursine shows us that Henry was at times possessed of a playful sense of humour. [1]1. For other fine exceptions to Henry’s typical approach see First Arts, 5 December 2022, Lot 136 (hilarious), and 12 June 2023, Lot 11 (impressive).
References: For another Dancing Polar Bear by the artist see 12 June 2023, Lot 11. For a large Waving Polar Bear Seated on a Rock from the mid-late 1970s see First Arts Auction, 28 May 2019, Lot 22. For other impressive bears by the artist see First Arts, 5 December 2022, Lots 110, 136; First Arts, 30 November 2021, Lot 92; Walker’s Auctions, 16 May 2018, Lot 118; Ken Mantel et al., Tuvaq: Inuit Art and the Modern World, (Bristol, UK: Sansom and Company Ltd., 2010), fig. 144, p. 150, and fig. 148, p. 155Provenance
Waddington’s, Toronto, 14 December 1981, Lot 179;
Collection of John & Joyce Price, Seattle, WA.
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